Oppuntia engelmanni Cactaceae (Cactus Family). Prickly pear is a large, spiny cactus that bears numerous deep red, juicy-sweet fruits. Early historic observations and archeological data clearly indicate Native Americans relied on prickly pear for food, medicine, and as a source of needles, containers, and water.
February's birthstone, Amethyst is a beautiful purple stone associated with sincerity, peace of mind and good health. Amethyst is a symbol of protection and has the power to overcome difficulty. Encourages self control and strengthens the bond in a love relationship. Amethyst is also believed to have great mystical qualities and it can help to steady a restless mind and bring mental and emotional well-being. Amethyst brings intuition, motivation and sincerity.
Amethyst is a well known mineral and gemstone. It is the purple variety of the mineral Quartz, and its most valuable and prized variety.Its name derives from the Greek amethystos, which means not drunken, as Amethyst in antiquity was thought to ward off drunkenness.hen used as a gemstone, Amethyst is often heat treated to deepen the color, or to transform it into Citrine. Some varieties may also change to a light green color, which is given the trade name Prasiolite, or Green Amethyst, as it is more commonly known in the gem trade.