Guest Author - Diane Geisel
Coral is an organic gem and is derived from a living organism. Coral has been used in fine jewelry for thousands of years. Evidence can be found in many cultures including Egyptian, Roman and Etruscans who carved it and wore it as personal adornment. Historically, coral was regarded as an amulet by many. It was believed to ward off evil and evil spells. The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure wounds made by snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing color.
Coral comes in a variety of colors: pink to dark red, white or pink spotted, orange, blue to violet, golden brown and black, the last three being of the organic variety and rarely used in jewelry. Located at a depth of between three and three hundred meters coral can be found along the shores of the western Mediterranean, Japan, Hawaii, Australia, Bay of Biscay, Canary Islands and Malaysian Archipelago.
Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton. The hard skeleton of red coral branches, not unlike tree branches, are naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm reddish pink colors from pale pink to deep red; the word coral is also used to name such colors.
Blood coral is the astrological birthstone for Taurus. Coral is also considered to be one of the birthstones for Scorpio. Coral is the anniversary gemstone for the 35th year of marriage. Black coral was adopted as the state gemstone of Hawaii in 1987. These beautiful corals grow in Hawaii's offshore waters. Agatized coral was adopted by Florida as the official state stone in 1979. Coral was once believed to protect against bleeding, evil spirits, and even hurricanes.
Coral is one of the seven treasures mentioned in Buddhist scriptures. Some spiritualists believe that coral can be used to reconnect with the wonders of nature as coral is a perfect example of plant and animal life coexisting in harmony
To clean Coral jewelry, wipe it gently with a moist soft cloth, as Coral is much softer than other gem materials with a hardness of only 3.5. As a result it should be stored carefully to avoid scratches. Coral is also porous so care should be taken to see that coral jewelry does not come in contact with chemicals.
