The mention of the word “coral” gives people the fantasy of traveling to tropical islands where diverse coral reefs thrive the clear blue ocean waters. But coral in the eyes of a gemstone enthusiast is much more than just a reflection of the beauty of an underwater paradise. It is a precious gemstone with a myriad of aesthetic and mystical qualities.
Coral comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, rose, blue, black and white. These gems are made into pendants, as well as beautiful rings and necklaces. Because of coral’s unbound beauty, the gemstone market is usually flooded with imitations made from glass, porcelain, plastic and stained bone. Authentic pieces of coral can be distinguished from the fakes by their unique wood grain texture.
Coral is a gem of organic origin, created from calcium carbonate deposits made by sea creatures living in colonies found in tropical seas. They are somewhat like plants underwater, exhibiting highly branching forms.
Precious red coral is given the scientific name Corallium rubrum, sharing the name with several related species of marine coral. What distinguishes precious corals from their relatives is their durability and brightly colored red skeleton, making them useful and beautiful as jewelry. The C. rubrum species is found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea but can also be found at sites in the Atlantic, close to the Strait of Gibraltar and along the periphery of the Islands of Cape Verde. Other species like Corallium japonicum are found in the Pacific, notably near the western side around Japan and Taiwan. Black Coral is another species used as jewelry, but they are unrelated to the previously mentioned red coral. The black coral, usually found off the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands, is mainly used as an ornament. Unlike red coral, a black coral’s skeleton is not mineralized with calcium carbonate, but rather is composed mainly of conchiolin.
The hard skeleton of red coral branches is naturally dull so it is usually polished to a glossy shine. Due to its strong and enduring coloration, red coral has been harvested since ancient times for use as decorations, ornaments and jewelry.
Coral is among the elder gemstones, having been used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral ornaments and inlays have been discovered in the tombs of the Celtics, which date back to the Iron Age. Coral also has a history in some religions, particularly Buddhism, as it was designated as one of the seven treasures in scripture. According to ancient beliefs, coral is a powerful talisman that could halt bleeding, repel hurricanes and guard against evil spirits. This belief has persisted in the present tradition of some cultures of adorning infants and children with red coral necklaces. Corals have also been used in a variety of forms by the Indians, where they are mixed with other gems appearing in floral patterns based on the distinction between the gems’ varieties of color. Coral was also used as jewelry by the Egyptians and prehistoric Europeans.
Folklore claims that coral is a gem with mystical properties, said to establish harmony and a strong emotional foundation at the onset of conflicts. It is also believed to discourage depression, lethargy and malnutrition. Coral is given credit as a cure for madness and as a giver of wisdom. According to primitive medical beliefs, coral prevents fever, impotency, abortion, typhus, and smallpox.
As a mystic guardian, Coral is believed to protect children from illnesses like stomachache and rickets. The wearing of coral mala (beads) around children’s necks is for this protective purpose. It also facilitates safe passages through tempests and rivers. Coral is also thought to to excite nerve strength, vigor and delight, and is a veritable provider of health. Coral oxides mixed with honey allegedly can make a person strong and this mixed with betel leaf can make a potent cure for cough and heart disease. Coral, though, loses its mystical powers when it breaks.
With its fiery red color, Coral is the representation of blood and perseverance in human life. This gemstone is associated with Mars and with the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio. The nature of this gemstone is fierce, creating many merits like perseverance, courage, the capacity to face and solve problems, and the ability to take risks. With a good deal of influence over people born under the signs of Aries and Scorpio, coral eliminates hindrances, promotes good fortune and increases these people’s ability to influence other people. Cowardly men or those who are always in defeat are encouraged to wear coral gemstones. Coral has also been dubbed a perfect gem for a happily married life. Couples who have reached 35 years of marriage are actually celebrate the Coral Anniversary.
Criteria for judging good quality in coral gemstones include evenness of color and the absence of fissures, bands, spots or cavities. Natural untreated coral is hard to find, so it is marked rare, and correspondingly valuable. More commonly, coral is processed to enhance durability and color. White coral is often bleached, while pink coral is filtered through a colorless wax. Orange coral is treated with plastic. Golden coral is produced from bleaching black coral. Sometimes, to improve the shade and uniformity of the color, red coral is further dyed. There is nothing to worry about with processed coral, since all typically used forms of coral gemstone enhancement are stable and safe.
On the Mohs scale, coral registers a hardness of 3.5. Because coral is soft and opaque, it is usually used to make beads or cut into cabochons. Coral should be handled with care because it is soft and porous. It is known to scratch easily and can deteriorate when exposed to household chemicals like alcohol and ammonia. When worn frequently, coral can gradually lose its color.
Wearing coral gemstones can sustain the fantasy of the sophisticated person. Ultimately, coral’s beauty exudes a sense of style that is reminiscent of a luxurious summer trip to the clear blue waters at a tropical island.
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