True violet eye pigment does not naturally occur in humans. What is often perceived as “violet” is typically a rare shade of very light blue or gray eyes, or a visual effect caused by specific lighting conditions interacting with extremely low levels of melanin.
The Mechanics of Eye Color
Human eye color is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin present in the iris. Melanin, the same pigment that colors skin and hair, absorbs light, and its concentration dictates the range from light brown to black eyes. Eyes with higher concentrations of melanin tend to appear darker, such as brown eyes, which are the most common worldwide.
Conversely, eyes with very low levels of melanin, like blue eyes, result from the scattering of light within the iris’s stroma, a phenomenon similar to Rayleigh scattering, which makes the sky appear blue. This structural color means that blue eyes do not contain blue pigment. Green eyes derive their hue from a combination of low melanin levels and a yellowish pigment called lipochrome, alongside light scattering.
Perceived Violet and Rare Hues
Perceived violet eyes arise from specific conditions where melanin is almost entirely absent. In individuals with severe forms of albinism, the lack of melanin in the iris allows the red blood vessels at the back of the eye to become visible. This underlying red, combined with the blue light scattering due to the iris’s structure, can create a faint reddish-blue or violet hue under certain lighting. This effect is an optical illusion.
Elizabeth Taylor’s famous eyes, often described as violet, were actually a very deep, intense blue. Her unique eye structure and specific, rare amount of melanin, combined with lighting, makeup, and photographic processes, contributed to the perception of a violet shade in many images. The first commercially available tinted contact lenses did not exist until 1983, long after her iconic roles, confirming her eye color was natural.
Common Misconceptions
Many common beliefs about violet eyes stem from external factors or misinterpretations. Colored contact lenses are a prevalent way for individuals to temporarily achieve a violet eye appearance. These lenses come in various shades of violet and purple, offering a cosmetic change. Photo filters and digital manipulation are another source of perceived violet eyes, allowing for artificial coloration in images.
Extremely light blue or gray eyes can also be mistaken for violet, especially under certain lighting conditions or when contrasted with specific clothing or makeup. Claims of a genetic condition called “Alexandria’s Genesis” leading to naturally purple eyes are entirely fictional and lack scientific basis.