Coral: origin, regulations, meaning and care

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Precious coral is the limestone skeleton of a marine animal (Corallium rubrum in the Mediterranean). An ancient organic gem, it is now governed by protective rules.

Key points

Colours	bright red, oxblood red, pink (angel skin), white
Nature	limestone axial skeleton (magnesian calcium carbonate) of a colonial marine animal
Mohs hardness	about 3 to 4
Origin	Mediterranean (Corallium rubrum) and Pacific (Corallium japonicum, and others)
Regulation	protected by several texts; check before any purchase or trip
Sensitivity	acids, perfumes, heat, friction
Tradition	protection, childhood amulet, sea

What is coral?

Precious coral is neither a plant nor a rock: it is the skeleton of a colonial marine animal. Thousands of tiny polyps live on a rigid branch made of calcium carbonate, known as the coral axis. Once the polyps are removed, this axis is cut, polished and beaded. The red colour comes from organic pigments, carotenoids.

In the Mediterranean, the species is Corallium rubrum, which grows very slowly, in dark places, often deeper than in earlier times. In the Pacific, other species of the genus Corallium produce pinkish or oxblood tones. Jewellery coral should not be confused with reef-building corals, which are far more numerous.

History and regulation

In antiquity, coral was given to children as an amulet. Pliny the Elder reports this, and Ovid tells in the Metamorphoses how seaweed touched by the blood of Medusa was turned into coral. Torre del Greco, near Naples, has for centuries been a major centre for coral working.

Protection. Red Mediterranean coral is covered by regional and European rules: the Barcelona Convention, the Bern Convention, the European Habitats Directive, and the management plan of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), which for example forbids harvesting colonies with a base diameter under 7 mm and harvesting within the first 50 metres of depth. To our knowledge at the time of writing, Corallium species are not listed in Appendix II of CITES (proposals in 2007 and 2010 were rejected); by contrast, many other corals (hard reef corals, black coral, blue coral, organ-pipe coral) are listed there, and local rules vary. Before buying or travelling with coral, check the rules in force: they change.

Traditional symbolism

Red coral has long been associated with the protection of children and travellers, particularly in the Mediterranean world: in Italy, the small coral horn (cornicello) is a classic good-luck charm. It also symbolises the sea, blood and vitality. This is an old folk tradition, with no proven validity.

Today, many buyers choose alternatives (see below) to reduce pressure on these animals.

Traditional correspondences

Area	Most commonly cited association
Chakra	root and sacral, according to authors (see root chakra)
Element	water
Signs	Aries and Scorpio for red; Pisces according to some authors
Keywords	symbolic protection, vitality, sea

How to use it

As a bead necklace or bracelet; red coral is easy to wear.
As a raw branch on a stand, as an antique collector's piece.
As an amulet: a small piece passed down in the family, with no promises attached.

Prefer old or second-hand coral, which does not encourage new harvesting.

Care and cleansing

Coral is a soft carbonate (3 to 4): acids attack it (vinegar, lemon, sweat, perfume, household cleaners), it scratches easily, and it dislikes heat and dryness.

Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth after each wear.
No ultrasonic cleaners and no household products.
Store it separately, wrapped in a soft fabric.
Symbolic cleansing: gentle smoke or moonlight, without salt water (see cleansing and recharging your stones).

Recognising real coral and avoiding imitations

Coral is one of the most imitated gems.

Dyed bamboo coral: a coral from the gorgonian family (bamboo coral), white, dyed red, often sold as coral. Its visible white nodes sometimes reveal the origin.
Glass, plastic and resin: smooth, too regular, warm to the touch, without the fine striations of real coral.
Pressed coral powder: a moulded mixture of powder and resin.
Dye: white or pale pieces may have been dyed.

Do not try acid tests: they damage the stone. For a valuable piece, have the identification confirmed by a gemmologist, and ask the seller for the origin and legality of the purchase.

Alternatives and ethical choice

For the pleasure of colour without taking from living creatures, there are red or pink stones: carnelian, red jasper, rhodochrosite, rose quartz. Second-hand or antique coral, accompanied by an invoice or certificate, is also an option. Be wary of very cheap offers with no stated origin.

Finally, keep in mind that an antique coral piece, inherited or bought second-hand, has a history and sentimental value that a new piece does not have.