White chinchillas can show predominantly white bodies, but some can also feature pink or beige markings or a silvery shade. Sapphire chinchillas are the result of a recessive mutation, which produces a bluish to light-silver fur and pink ears. Beige or tan chinchillas vary in shade, from extra dark to light beige. They show light pink to ruby eyes.
The violet chinchilla shows a lavender to violet color, with clear white belly. Also called the Sullivan chinchilla, the first violet chinchillas appeared in a South African litter during the 1960s. North American breeder Lloyd Sullivan bought these animals, and started to crossbreed them. Violet is the result of a recessive gene. Sometimes, chinchillas of other colors, can carry this gene, and transfer it to their offspring.
Naturalle refers to the standard color of chinchillas, which are also found in the wild. The standard color is a pearl to gray, ranging from light to dark. The standard or naturalle chinchilla has an agouti-type pattern, with lighter colors on its underparts. As in other chinchilla breeds, the naturelle chinchillas reach sexual maturity at 8 months on average.
Also called ebonies, charcoal chinchillas can range from shiny black to a fur similar to a dark naturelle or standard chinchilla. Charcoal chinchillas have gray or black bellies. The black chinchilla is the result of a dominant gene, which results in a black "cape" that covers its neck, head and back. The sides are often gray and the belly is white.