Thanks to a variation in a gene that influences the development of their retinas, [Concetta] Antico can see colors invisible to most of us.

Consider a pebble pathway. What appears dull grey to you or me shines like a jeweler’s display to Antico. “The little stones jump out at me with oranges, yellows, greens, blues and pinks”, she says. “I’m kind of shocked when I realize what other people aren’t seeing”.

This genetic condition – which is thought to only be able to occur in women – is rare, but what is especially neat about Antico is that she is also a painter, so it is possible to get a glimpse of what she sees through her artwork.

Not surprisingly, she finds places like grocery stores to be a nightmare of color. Her favorite color? White.

Also, I can’t help it, but in the future I am going to always refer to such individuals as “tetrachromancers”. Like necromancers, but with colors instead.

Via BBC for the full fascinating article.