Coral
Red Coral Stone Price Online
The red coral stone is a vibrant organic gemstone formed in the deep sea by marine creatures known as polyps. It is highly valued for its striking color and unique properties.
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Red Coral: A Rare Gemstone
Red coral comes in many colors, which makes it popular for necklaces and other types of jewelry. Intensely red coral is especially prized and highly sought after. However, due to overharvesting, red coral has become rare. In general, it is advisable to be mindful when buying or gifting coral, as coral populations are in decline due to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.
For centuries, red coral has been considered a precious mineral. In Chinese culture, it is associated with auspiciousness and longevity, in part because of its deep red color and resemblance to deer antlers, which symbolize virtue, long life, and high social status. Red coral reached the height of its popularity during the Manchu or Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when it was almost exclusively reserved for the emperor’s use, crafted into coral beads for court jewelry or decorative miniature coral trees. Known as “shanhu” in Chinese, it symbolized high status and was strictly regulated during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor.
The trade network for coral extended from the Mediterranean Sea to Qing China via the English East India Company, with rules governing its use established by the Qianlong Emperor in 1759.
Samples from Tunisia:
What Is Coral?
Corals are marine invertebrates within the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria. These organisms typically live in compact colonies made up of numerous genetically identical polyps. Some species are important reef builders, inhabiting tropical oceans and secreting calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons.
A coral colony consists of numerous polyps, which are sac-like animals usually only a few millimeters in diameter and a few centimeters in length. Tentacles surround each polyp’s central mouth. Over time, these polyps secrete an exoskeleton at their base, creating a larger coral skeleton that is characteristic of the species.
Coral polyps can reproduce asexually to create identical offspring, thus expanding the colony. They can also reproduce sexually through spawning, where polyps release gametes simultaneously over several nights around a full moon. Corals obtain much of their energy and nutrients from photosynthetic unicellular dinoflagellates, commonly known as zooxanthellae, that live within their tissues. These corals require sunlight and grow in clear, shallow water, typically at depths of less than 60 meters. They are major contributors to the structure of coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Coral in Medicine
Coral has also been used in medicine. Chemical compounds derived from coral have potential therapeutic uses, such as treating cancer, AIDS, and pain. Coral skeletons, particularly those from the family Isididae, are used in bone grafting for humans.
Coral Calx, known as “Praval Bhasma” in Sanskrit, has been widely used in traditional Indian medicine as a calcium supplement for treating a variety of bone metabolic disorders. In classical times, crushed coral was recommended for calming stomach ulcers by the Greek physicians Galen and Dioscorides, due to its composition of calcium carbonate, which is a weak base.
Red Coral Under the Microscope
Coral Meaning and Healing Properties
The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.
Red coral is considered a symbol of modesty, wisdom, happiness, and immortality. It is said to help remedy intestinal spasms, sleeplessness, and bladder stones. Additionally, it is believed to reduce stress, fears, and combat nervousness, depression, and nightmares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are the Benefits of Red Coral?
Red coral is believed to impart courage and help individuals overcome fear and nervousness. It is said to boost self-esteem and has amazing healing effects. It may also help address various skin issues, such as boils and acne.
Who Can Wear Red Coral?
Those with Mars positioned in the 1st, 5th, 9th, or 10th house in their horoscope are considered suitable to wear red coral, as Mars is an important planet for those whose ascendant is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and knowledge.
Is Red Coral Illegal?
In the Mediterranean Sea, it is illegal for individuals to collect red coral, but the trade is legal and strictly regulated. Despite this, red coral remains abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, where management plans are in place to regulate harvesting.
Is Red Coral Expensive?
Red coral, also known as “Corallium rubrum,” is a branch-forming species found in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is one of the most expensive types of coral. Similar species are harvested in the Pacific Ocean for jewelry, but the Mediterranean coral tends to have the highest value.
How Can You Tell If Red Coral Is Real?
- Sound Test: If rubbing the coral produces a glass-like sound, it is likely fake, as many imitations are made of glass.
- Turmeric Test: Rub raw turmeric on the coral. If there is a red mark in the color of turmeric, the coral is likely fake and dyed. If the coral is genuine, the color of turmeric will not change.
Can Red Coral Be Worn in Silver?
Red coral can be worn as a ring on the ring finger of either hand or made into a locket. Although the metal related to Mars is silver, red coral can also be worn with gold. It is advised to wear red coral within one hour after sunrise, which is considered the period of Mars.
Which Country Produces the Best Red Coral?
Italian red coral is considered the highest quality in the jewelry industry. Coral from Italy and Tunisia is highly regarded, while coral from China and Japan is generally of lower quality.
Are Corals Alive?
Yes, corals are alive. They consist of small, colonial, plankton-eating invertebrate animals called polyps, which resemble anemones. Although they are often mistaken for non-living objects, corals are indeed living organisms.
Natural Coral for Sale in Our Shop
We offer custom-made coral jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote. We can create unique pieces to suit your preferences.
