Meaning & symbolism
Precious coral is the branching skeleton of colonies of tiny marine polyps of the Coralliidae family, built of calcium carbonate (mostly calcite) in water from a few dozen to several hundred metres deep. Its red, orange and pink colours come from natural carotenoid pigments. The best known kinds are Mediterranean red coral (Corallium rubrum) and the Pacific corals fished off Japan and Taiwan, traded as aka (oxblood), momo and angel skin. It is an organic gem rather than a mineral, and it is different from the shallow reef corals.
Coral has been worn since antiquity. Spanish traders brought Mediterranean coral to the American Southwest, where Navajo, Zuni and Pueblo artists set it beside turquoise, and it travelled the long trade routes to Tibet, where it is worn with turquoise and amber. Mediterranean red coral is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List for the Mediterranean, so vintage pieces and clearly sourced coral are the kindest choice.
Healing properties
Material
- Organic gem: calcium carbonate skeleton of precious coral polyps
- Hardness 3 to 4, specific gravity about 2.6 to 2.7
- Colour from carotenoid pigments
- Red, orange, pink, angel skin and white
- Imitated by dyed bamboo and sponge coral, glass, plastic and reconstructed calcite
How to use it
Traditionally worn as a necklace, ring or earrings for vitality, courage and protection, and linked with the root and sacral chakras. In Vedic jyotish red coral (moonga) is the gem of Mars. Often paired with turquoise. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
Cleansing & care
Coral is soft (3 to 4), porous and dissolves in acids. Keep it away from perfume, hairspray, lotions, vinegar and lemon, and do not soak it or use salt. Wipe with a soft cloth; no ultrasonic or steam cleaning. Avoid heat and harsh sun. Store away from quartz and other harder stones.
Questions & answers
No. Coral used in jewellery is an organic gem, the calcium carbonate skeleton of deep-water precious coral colonies. It is handled like a soft gemstone.
