Drawn illustration, not a photograph
Organic
Red coral
HindiMoongaAlsoCoral
✦One of the Navratna, traditionally associated with Mars (Mangal)
The skeleton of a marine animal, polished into beads and cabochons. The deep, even oxblood red of Mediterranean and Japanese coral is the most prized.
- Material
- Calcium carbonate
- Colour from
- Natural carotenoid pigments
- Hardness
- 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale
- Known sources
- Mediterranean (Italy), Japan, Taiwan
What to look for
- Even colour through the stone, without pale patches
- A smooth polish without cracks
- Dyed and reconstituted coral are common and must be disclosed
CareSoft and porous. Avoid acids, perfume and heat; wipe with a damp cloth.
General guidance about the stone. Each actual stone is described individually, with its own photographs and any laboratory report, when you enquire.
Red coral, to wear.
Ask whether a ring, pendant, stud earrings or a bracelet with red coral is available, in gold, platinum or silver.