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 purple variety of quartz (SiO 2) and owes its violet color to irradiation, iron impurities (in some cases in conjunction with transition element impurities), and the presence of trace elements, which result in complex crystal lattice substitutions.he name comes from the Ancient Greek á¼ a- (not) and Î¼Î­Î¸ÏÏÏÎ¿Ï methystos (mÃ©thystos), intoxicated a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from. Drunkenness the Ancient greeks wore amethyst and made drinking vessels decorated with it in the belief that it would prevent. intoxication