Why is blue color so rare in nature?

Blue pigments in nature often require complex chemical structures. Many organic compounds responsible for blue hues are not as readily available or stable compared to pigments that produce other colors.

Blue light has shorter wavelengths and is more easily scattered in the Earth's atmosphere. This scattering makes the sky appear blue but also makes it challenging for organisms to utilize blue pigments for camouflage or other biological functions.

The pigments used by living organisms are primarily derived from a few classes of compounds, such as chlorophylls for green and carotenoids for red, orange, and yellow. There are fewer natural pigments that specifically produce a stable blue color.

Evolution tends to favor the development of colors that provide advantages for survival, such as camouflage or attracting mates. The evolutionary pressures may not have strongly favored the development of blue colors in many species.

Blue minerals are relatively uncommon in nature. While there are exceptions like azurite and lapis lazuli, these are not as widespread as minerals that contribute to other colors.

The biochemical pathways for synthesizing blue pigments are limited compared to those for other colors. Organisms often use the available pathways for more essential functions, like photosynthesis.

Organisms tend to develop colors that help them blend into their surroundings or serve a specific purpose in their environment. In many ecosystems, blue might not offer a significant adaptive advantage.

In aquatic environments, water absorbs longer wavelengths of light more readily than shorter wavelengths. As a result, reds and oranges are absorbed more quickly, leaving blue light to penetrate deeper. This may limit the need for organisms in water to evolve blue colors.

Blue pigments can be less stable than pigments of other colors. This reduced stability may make them more susceptible to degradation over time, limiting their effectiveness as long-lasting pigments.