Coral
Coral is an organic material created by marine polyps, prized since ancient times as a beautiful red or pink gemstone material. It is produced in the Mediterranean and near the Japanese coast, and is characterized by hues that evoke a sense of natural warmth.
Red to pink coral
Basic Information
| Chemical Formula | CaCO₃ + MgCO₃H₂O + organic matter |
|---|---|
| Classification | Hexagonal (granular) |
| Hardness | 4 (Mohs scale) |
| Specific Gravity | approx. 2.65 |
| Crystal Structure | Skeletal structure of animal organic matter |
Characteristics
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Organic-origin gemstone: The skeletal structure of polyps living in coral reefs becomes a gemstone.
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Color Variations: Red Pink White-pink
Varieties & Aliases
- Variety Red Coral (Beni-sango / Aka-sango): The representative species with a vivid red color.
- Variety Pink Coral / White Coral: High-quality materials ranging from light colors to white.
- Alias Red Sea Pearl: A misnomer for red bead-shaped coral.
Note: While artificial coloring and dyeing are prohibited in Japan, be aware that such products are distributed in Southeast Asia.