Coral gemstone have enchanted people all over the globe for ages due to their biological origins and breathtaking colors. Polyps, which are tiny marine organisms, release calcium carbonate, which is then used to create coral. As it sets into coral, it becomes a material suitable for making jewels by polishing. What follows is an exhaustive table listing every kind of coral, along with its color, origin, and mines?
Table of Coral gemstone Varieties
| Coral Type | Color Range | Origin | Mines Found | Discovered Around |
| Angel Skin Coral | Light pink to peach | Mediterranean Sea | Mediterranean, Japan | Ancient |
| Black Coral | Black, brown | West Indies, Australia | Australia, Pacific Islands | Prehistoric times |
| Blue Coral | Blue to gray | Indo-Pacific region | Japan, Indonesia | Over 2,000 years ago |
| Golden Coral | Golden, yellow | Pacific Ocean | Hawaii | Over 50 years ago |
| Red Coral | Red to dark red | Mediterranean, Japan | Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia | Ancient times |
| Fossil Coral | Brown, red, green | Southeast Asia, USA | USA, Indonesia, Thailand | Millions of years ago |
| Pink Coral | Pink to peach | Mediterranean, Pacific | Taiwan, Hawaii | Since ancient Greece |
| White Coral | White to ivory | Mediterranean Sea | Mediterranean, Japan | Ancient |
Coral Gemstone Varieties: Descriptions and History
Angel Skin Coral
Angel Skin Coral is highly prized for its delicate pink and peach tones, which represent tranquilly and beauty. Its prominent use in jeweler dates back to ancient times, and it is mostly found in the seas of the Mediterranean and Japan. The delicate, “angelic” shade that resembles fair skin is the inspiration for its name.
Black Coral
The West Indies, Australia, and the Pacific Islands are the main sources of black coral, which is identified by its dark and shiny color. Mysticism and protection are two of its long-established associations. It was often worn as an amulet because the ancient Hawaiians thought it had magical healing powers.
Blue Coral
Originating mostly in Indonesia and Japan, blue coral is recognized by its distinctive blue to greyish tones. Blue coral, which is uncommon compared to other types of coral, has been highly valued in the Indo-Pacific area for generations because of its scarcity.
Golden Coral
A rare kind of coral with yellow or golden undertones, golden Coral is often seen in the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean. Its unique coloring was an addition to the coral gemstone family when it was found in Hawaiian seas some fifty years ago. The golden tints of this coral are achieved by bleaching it from black coral.
Red Coral
One of the most sought-after corals is red coral, whose scientific name is Corallium rubrum. Its jewelry-making history spans millennia, and its primary sources are the seas of Japan and the Mediterranean. The ancient Romans had the belief that red coral has magical protecting properties. (International Gem Society)(Geology Science).
Fossil Coral
Exquisite fossil corals have been around for millions of years, and they’re all quite interesting. A beautiful gemstone with brown, red, and green colors, formed when minerals displaced the natural structure of fossilized coral reefs. Beloved for its one-of-a-kind designs, this gemstone is sourced from the USA and Southeast Asia. (Gemstone World).
Pink Coral
You may find pink coral in a variety of colors, from pale pink to peach, in the oceans of the Mediterranean and the Pacific. Coral was highly esteemed by the ancient Greeks and Romans because to its calming and reassuring aspect, which was linked to femininity and love. (Geology Science).
White Coral
The Mediterranean and Japanese seas are the most common habitats for white coral, so called because of its ivory-like color. As a sign of innocence and tranquilly, it has a long history of medicinal usage throughout many civilizations.(Gemstone World).
Coral Gemstone Value and Appeal
Factors such as coral gemstones’ rarity, color, and place of origin determine their value. Corals with historical value and vivid colors, such as red and pink, are highly sought after and expensive. The marketplaces for fine jewelry are the most exclusive places to find coral, especially red coral and angel skin coral. They are unlike any other gemstones due to their unusual biological nature and vibrant colors.
In addition, coral gemstones are said to possess metaphysical abilities, such as the ability to heal, protect, and balance emotions. Because of these ideas, coral has remained popular for use in spiritual rites and jewelry.(Gemstone World).
Why Coral gemstone Is Special
Coral gemstones stand out from the rest of the Earth’s crustal minerals because of their biological origin. Their association with aquatic life and their function in antiquities from classical Egypt, Greece, and Rome enhance their allure. Global coral reefs are in danger due to overharvesting, which is one environmental problem with coral mining.
FAQs about coral gemstone
1. What are the most valuable types of coral gemstones?
- Red and Pink Coral are the most valuable, particularly those with deep red tones, like oxblood coral. These varieties are primarily sourced from the Mediterranean Sea and Japan(International Gem Society)(Geology Science).
2. How is coral gemstone formed?
- Coral is formed from the skeletal remains of marine organisms called polyps. Over time, the calcium carbonate structure hardens, creating the material that is later polished into gemstones(Geology Science).
3. Can coral gemstones be worn daily?
- Coral gemstones, particularly those like red and pink coral, are relatively soft, ranking around 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale. They should be worn with care to prevent scratching or chipping(International Gem Society)(Geology Science).
4. Are coral gemstones endangered?
- Many coral species are endangered due to overharvesting and environmental changes. Some types of coral mining are regulated to protect reef ecosystems(Geology Science).
5. What are the healing properties associated with coral gemstones?
- Coral gemstones, especially red coral, are believed to bring emotional balance, protection, and energy. They are often used in metaphysical practices for promoting calmness and self-confidence(Gemstone World).
Conclusion
Gemstones made of coral, whether it’s the vibrant Red Coral or the complex Fossil Coral, are both aesthetically pleasing and historically significant. Coral gems are intriguing due to their unusual origins in marine life and their long history of usage in civilizations all over the globe. But it’s important to support sustainable practices when buying coral jewelry because of environmental issues.
