Coral

Coral is an organic gemstone - like pearl, and amber -composed of the external skeletal remains of the coral polyp, a tiny tube-shaped sea creature. Millions of polyps
build their skeletons (made of calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene) on the abandoned remains of other polyps, creating massive coral reefs. Coral is much softer than other gem materials with a hardness of only 3.5

Today a lot of the new red coral is a fossilized coral
from Tibet and China. Originally white, the coral has
been dyed for hundreds of years and is considered
holy by the Tibetan monks. The premier coral on the market is "oxblood" red coral, harvested in the deep waters of the Mediterranean. Associated throughout history with Italian workmanship. There has been a coral trade between Naples, Italy, and Marseille, France, for thousands of years and a number of the ancient towns buried by Mt. Vesuvius eruptions were known for coral work and cameo-making. 13th century explorer Marco Polo noted the use of Coral for fashioning idols in Asian Temples. Coral is also one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures and Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries.

The color

Although the new beads are color enhanced and heattreated to make the color permanent.
Allot of the new coral in the United States market today
is dyed and the greatest concern for dealers and consumers is disclosure.

Methaphysical & Healing Powers

Coral was long thought to be a strong talisman against bleeding, evil spirits, and hurricanes. Coral inlays and ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs dating back to the Iron Age.

BirthStones

Coral,

Hindu Birthstone - October
Sun Sign (Star Sign) - Taurus
Sun Sign (Star Sign) - Scorpio