Red, blue and green lightsabers are popping up in the hands of all sorts of characters from a galaxy far, far away with the occasional purple. But what can these colors tell you about the wielder? And how many colors are there? That’s what I’m going to answer.

Note: by the time of the New Republic Force-sensitive individuals chose crystal colors by personal preference rather than moral value.

Red: Red lightsabers are used by individuals deep in the Dark Side, such as Sith and Dark Jedi, though not all Dark-Side users have them. Red lightsaber crystals are synthetic; so they are more compatible with Dark Side energy. Occasionally, they may even shatter the opponents blade, overloading the matrix, but that is rare. Famous users: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Maul, Count Dooku…

Blue: Blue is the color of a Jedi Guardian, Jedi Warriors who use force on a very physical level. The first branch of Jedi (Consular and Sentinel are the other two), they are possibly the most skilled swordsmen in the Jedi Order, and the Galaxy. Blue lightsaber crystals, like most other naturally occurring ones are found on the planet Ilum. Famous users: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi Mundi, General Grievous…

Green: Green is used by Consulars, the second branch of Jedi, who prefer to study the mysteries of the Force, fight evil in their minds, and concentrate on Force abilities rather than combat skills. Consulars try to not use their weapons, however will not hesitate to do so if necessary. Famous users: Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Luminara Unduli…

Yellow: This is the color of Jedi Sentinels. Sentinels, the third and least known branch of Jedi, seek to keep balance between the other two branches, and to destroy all traces of the Dark Side, going undercover for months at a time.They also concentrate on tech, distraction and surveillance. Here’s an analogy: When faced with a sealed door, a Guardian will slice it open, a Consular will knock, and a Sentinel will pick the lock. Famous users: Plo Koon, Yeareal Poof, Bastilla Shan.

Purple: These lightsabers are used by individuals who combine both sides of the Force into an aggressive fighting style, sometimes having mixed loyalties. Gray Jedi also use these sabers. They are Force-users who openly use both sides of the Force, and strive to keep balance between the Jedi and Sith. Famous users: Mace Windu, Revan, Mara Jade.

Orange: Orange tends to be used by Jedi who focus on negotiation as well as combat. Wielders of this color often operate in the Sentinel class. Famous users: Yaddle, Plo Koon (again!)

Gold: Gold lightsabers are generally associated with strong Light Side abilities. Famous users: Qu Rahn.

Bronze: Bronze sabers were used mostly by Jedi who used physical strength as well as Force abilities. They are possibly the rarest color there is. Famous users: Lowbacca.

Silver: Used by Jedi who are very calm and focused on the living Force as a whole. Silver wielders sometimes operate in the Consular class. Famous users: Tera Sinube.

White: Wielded openly and arrogantly by the Imperial Knights, and not many others, white lightsabers are used by those with extremely narrow-minded philosophy. Note: Imperial Knights have nothing to do with the Galactic Empire or Sith Empire. They have their own Empire Famous users: All Imperial Knights.

Darksaber: Black, like white, is used by Sith with a very narrow view on the Force. However, instead of serving a master, wielders of the one known darksaber (“stolen from the heart of the Jedi Temple”) are the master. Famous users: Darth Maul, Pre Visla, Sabine Wren.

What kind of lightsaber would you have? Write about it in the comments. Here’s mine: Two sabers, a red and a blue, which can be joined together into a double-blade. When joined, the crystals’ colors mix, giving both blades a uniform purple hue. The core would be black instead of white.