Structural colors are created by microscopic physical structures that manipulate light waves, while pigment-based colors come from chemical compounds that absorb and reflect specific wavelengths. Structural colors often produce:
- Iridescence (color changes with viewing angle)
- Metallic sheens
- Ultra-bright blues and greens
- Pure white coloration
The most stunning example is the morpho butterfly, whose brilliant blue wings contain no blue pigment at all – the color comes from microscopic scales that reflect and scatter light waves. These colors are often more durable than pigments and don’t fade over time.