Coral Facts

Coral is more popular than ever for jewelry, despite trade and harvesting regulations related to the importance of this creature to the ecosystems of the world. Here is some information about coral, including a description of different colors, coral care, and some coral lore.

Basic Coral Facts

Coral is a natural gemstone derived from the skeletons of a marine animal related to jellyfish and anemones. Coral polyps live in colonies and some types of coral form reefs, which are home to approximately 25% of the species in the ocean. Coral is composed primarily of calcium carbonate and gets it color from natural pigments such as carotene. Coral is not used fresh from the ocean, but goes through a serious of processing steps before it is used for jewelry. These steps may include chemical treatment, tumbling, heating, sawing, and polishing.

Colors of Coral

In addition to coral substitutes, which include plastic, glass, and seashell, genuine coral is often dyed to resemble a more rare or desired variety. However, natural coral that is suitable for jewelry is found in many colors:

• Black Coral Antipathes grandis
  Black coral is rare. When it has been polished it shines with an incredible luster. Some black coral may be coral in an early stage of decay, since it is found just below the water's surface. However, Hawaiian black coral is found at depths exceeding 200 feet! A colony of Hawaiian black coral requires 50 years to mature.
  
  
• Blue Coral Allopora subviolacea, Allopora akori
  Blue coral is found near the water's surface and is believed to be coral in an early state of decay.
  
  
• Golden Coral
  Golden coral is found off of Hawaii. It has a resinous or laquered appearance.
  
  
• Pink Coral Corrallium secundum
  Pink coral is very dense and relatively hard. Its color runs the entire spectrum of pinks, from almost white to pink to nearly red. Natural marbling and color gradations in larger pink corals are natural qualities of the gem. All shades of pink coral are highly prized. Pink coral is sometimes called angel skin coral.
  
  
• Red Coral Corallium japonicum, Corallium rubrum, Corallium nobile
  Red coral is highly valued for its hardness, beauty, and color. Red coral is found in several places, including the sandy bottom of the Mediterranean, around the Hawaiian Islands, and off the coast of Africa. Hawaiian red coral is found at ocean depths of 500-1,000 feet. Red coral only grows about 1/4 inch per year!

Caring for Coral

Coral is a very soft gemstone, so it needs to be treated gently. Clean coral jewelry by wiping it gently with a moist soft cloth. Because it is naturally porous, coral can be damaged by exposure to chemicals such as perfumes and hair styling aids. When not being worn, coral should be stored carefully to avoid scratches.

Coral Lore

Many myths and legends surround coral. Coral artifacts have been found from as long ago as 10,000 B.C. Many special properties are attributed to it:

• Coral is one of the seven treasures listed in Buddhist scriptures.
• Coral was thought to be able to calm the sea.
• Coral was believed to protect from lightning and hurricanes.
• Coral was worn as a talisman to stop bleeding.
• If the wearer of coral became seriously ill, it was believed the coral would lose its color.
• Ancient Romans would put coral around the necks of their children to protect them from harm.
• Pulverized coral added to wine was believed to be a potent curative tonic (Ancient Rome).
• In Medieval times, coral was used to ward off the evil eye and to cure sterility.
• Italian men once presented coral as an engagement gift.

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