The gem amethyst gets its purplish color primarily from trace amounts of iron impurities within its crystal structure. Amethyst is a type of quartz, which is a silicon dioxide mineral (SiO2). Normally, quartz is colorless, but when there are small quantities of iron atoms present in the crystal lattice, they can absorb certain wavelengths of light and produce a range of purple hues.
The intensity of the purple color can vary from light lavender to deep violet, depending on the concentration of iron impurities. Amethyst's color can also be influenced by other factors such as natural irradiation, exposure to heat, and the presence of other minerals during its formation.
It's worth noting that artificial processes, such as heat treatment or irradiation, can sometimes enhance the color of amethyst or create different colors altogether. Natural amethyst, however, is prized for its unique and beautiful purple color, making it one of the most popular and valuable gemstones in the world. You can visit the site CabochonsForSale for more info.