Coral Jewelry

Coral is created by marine life. It is beautiful in rings, necklaces, and pendants. It is especially popular in Native American Indian style jewelry.



Coral Care, Treatments & Where
Coral is created by sea life. It is the skeletal remains of coral polyps. Red, pink, and white coral is mostly calcium carbonate. Black and golden coral is conchiolin. It has a hardness of 3.

Coral is especially fragile. Protect coral from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean coral in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Coral is often imitated by plastic, glass, porcelain, and stained bone. Natural coral has a distinctive wood grain texture which can help identify it as the real thing. White coral is often bleached to brighten its color. Other colors may be dyed.

Coral is found on the African coasts, Australia, Japan, Mediterranean coasts, Malaysia, and the West Indies.

Themed Books

Coral Reef-related books:
Coral Seas - by Roger Steene (Photographer) In "Coral Seas", the day-to-day life of the world's coral reefs is played out before your eyes in stunning color. The 340 amazing photographs that capture the essence of underwater life evidence Roger Steene's patience and skill as a photographer.
Reef Coral Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas Including Marine Plants - by Renee Newman Great for scuba divers who want to learn more about coral reefs.
A Practical Guide to Corals for the Reef Aquarium - by Ed Puterbaugh, Eric Borneman This book is well catalogued, containing brief, to-the-point but fundamental information on what to look for when buying and how to care for various types of coral.
Books with Coral in their name:
Ambrosia and the Coral Sun - by Sherri L. Board, Kathy Barnes-Million (Illustrator), Timothy A. Board (Editor) An illusory underwater fantasy written for young adults and all adventurous, ocean-loving souls.

Birthstone Months with Coral

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20): Blood Coral is the birthstone

Mystical Properties
Coral is used to build an emotional foundation. More Coral

Lore

Coral is said to protect children. In many countries, coral is given as a gift to children. It has been used to protect against witchcraft.

Coral is said to cure madness and give wisdom.

Black Coral is Hawaii's US State Gemstone

Coral jewelry has been created and worn since prehistoric times -- dating back to the Iron Age.
In ancient times, Coral was considered so valuable that it was used as a method of currency and trade by the Romans and the Egyptians.