“Plain Old Quartz,” but in an awesome violet color

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that commonly has a violet or purple color. The color is due to the presence of small amounts of iron that has been altered by gamma radiation. High-energy gamma rays cause an electron to be ejected from some iron atoms, which changes the mineral’s behavior to light. Collectors can sometimes create other colors by treating specimens with radiation or heat.

The specimen in this exhibit is from the collection of the late Dr. Kenneth Ohme of Mitchell, Nebraska.