or "noble" coral...I did some searching. Here's some stuff so far. Good luck:
http://www.shellhorizons.com/details.asp?ProductID=G1-14&Page=1
http://www.google.com/custom?sa=Goo...ast.com&sitesearch=coralcoast.com&q=red+coral
Coral is an "organic" gem, not a mineral. It comes from a
living material. Coral is the calcium carbonate house
which is built much the same way an oyster secretes his
protective shell home. The difference is that the oyster
does this for one shell and it takes thousands, millions or
billions of these communal polyps over decades or even
centuries to build these collective houses.
The formations resemble tree branches when seen in the
water. Coral occurs in a variety of colors white, pink
orange red, blue and black. I have seen a blue which
comes from Hawaii that doesnt seem very popular.
(Perhaps that is because the blue isnt very pretty.)
Angelskin coral, white with a pink or peach blush is one of
the more expensive varieties and is used extensively in fine
jewelry. However, the most expensive and now the rarest
coral is red coral often called noble or oxblood coral This
is a very deep red, not an orange red with which it is
sometimes confused.
The best red, or noble, coral comes from the seas around
Italy where it becoming rare. White coral comes from
Japanese waters and the black comes from Mexico and
Hawaii. Coral is also found in Australia, the Red Sea, and
the Malaysian Archipelago. It is found at depths of from
10 to 1000 feet and is harvested by dredging a wide-
meshed net over the sea bed. This method often destroys
much valuable material as coral grows with its broad base
on the rocky seabed.
For twenty centuries or more coral was classed with
precious gems and can be found adorning ancient amulets
along side of emeralds, pearls, rubies and diamonds. By
the 16th century it had been "experimentally proved" to
cure madness, give wisdom and calm storms. Along with
this coral enabled to traveler to cross broad rivers and to
prevent sterility. WOW!
Red coral symbolizes attachment, devotion and protection
against plague and pestilence. There is one more special
quality coral has. When a friend of the wearer is about to
die, it loses its color. In order to make this power effective,
the coral should not be cut or polished, but left in its
natural state. Today there are those who still believe coral
loses it magical power if it has been cut.
Two things you should know about coral are its porocity
and softness. It is about 3 ½ to 4 on Mohs scale so be
cautious when wearing it especially in a ring. .Coral
scratches and abrades easily. Bright lights have a tendency
to darken it and coral may be hurt by heat and bright lights.
Coral is best stored in a cloth bag with an even temperature
and humidity.
Acids and solvents soften, swell, melt and dissolve coral.
You should be careful around chlorinated swimming pools,
turpentine, ammonia., alcohol, nail polish remover and
other chemicals. Avoid brushes, abrasives and contact with
harder materials.
Coral is a lovely gem and usually pricey, so you need to be
a cautious buyer as there are many imitations on the
;market glass and plastic being the most common. Other
less expensive stones have been dyed to imitate coral.
Take a look in the Mary Lee Price Bead catalog to find
some examples of coral necklaces and earrings. You will
notice that most of the stones I have are small and are
polished.
as well as their old name.
