Introduction
Coral is a type of organic material that is found in various shades such as pink, orange, red, and white. There are different types of coral stone corresponding to a particular color, pattern, and look. Unlike other gemstones, coral is an organic gemstone, similar to pearl and amber, meaning, we need to show gratitude to living organisms for creating them, rather than thanking some arbitrary geological process. Coral is also one of the Navratnas. Navratnas is basically a group of nine gemstones that possess astrological powers in the context of Vedic Astrology.
Talking in the lingo of biology, “coral” is nothing but the marine animal, coral polyp, and the hard exoskeleton it secretes. This gemstone is one of the oldest known gemstones in history, with its use dating back to prehistoric times. Most of the coral that is used in jewelry and home décor is known as “precious coral”. With the help of this blog, we will discuss the different types of coral stones, but before that, let's get to know what coral stones are.
What Is Coral Stone?
Despite being termed as “precious coral,” coral that is used in the field of jewelry making is a semi-precious gemstone. Probably, you might have thought that corals come only in one variety, which is the “red coral” because that’s the name that is most commonly heard. But red coral is just one variety of coral, and it is one of the precious corals, referring to a species of Corallidae family known for its vivid colors and durability. When we use the name red coral, we are referring to all corals that come in shades of red, orange, pink, or even a mixture.
Coral is considered to be the zodiac stone of Aries in Western astrology. Coral is also considered the 35th wedding anniversary stone, so, if you want to celebrate your 35th wedding anniversary, consider buying coral jewelry for your partner. In Vedic Astrology, the red coral, which is also known as “Moonga”, is considered to be the star stone for the planet Mars, and it is said that wearing red coral jewelry can reduce the ill effects of negatively placed Mars in your birth chart.
Although coral is not considered to be a mineral, it is classified as a mineraloid. The coral mineraloid is primarily composed of aragonite and calcite, which are two forms of calcium carbonate. The exoskeletons of corals are made up of calcium carbonate in spicules. Spicules are nothing but a mesh of interwoven spikes of coral’s exoskeletons. The carotenoid pigments present in water give coral its signature color, such as shades of red, orange, pink, white, etc.
In their natural form, the tree-like branches of coral polyps are found to be in a matte (dull) finish, but when polished, corals tend to have a waxy or glass-like luster. On the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, coral ranks between 3 to 4, which is why it is soft.
Types of Coral Stone
Red Coral
Red coral is created by the marine coral skeletal remains, and for centuries, it has been used in decorative art and jewelry. Although found primarily in bright red color, it can also be found in shades of orange, brown, and pink. It is mainly composed of micro-crystalline quartz and calcium carbonate. It features a smooth texture and it also has intricate patterns. Geographically, it is found in both deep and shallow waters of the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is considered to be a rare stone because it is difficult to identify.
In ancient times, red coral was widely used for its power to invite luck and it was also believed that red coral wards off black magic. The earliest uses of red coral in recorded history are believed to be in the Roman Empire, where it was used to bring long life to the user.
Red coral comes with many healing properties. Since it is red in color, the red coral stone is associated with blood and is believed to improve the circulatory system and aid in ailments related to the blood. This beautiful stone is also associated with power and strength, and it is claimed that red coral stone restores the physical health and mental health of the wearer. As a stone that is connected to the planet Mars, red coral brings harmony, balance, and stability to life. In Vedic Astrology, it is recommended to wear red coral along with rudraksha beads to improve overall physical health and balance all seven chakras at once.
Stingray Coral
Stingray coral is an important biological fossil of corals that has been found to be at least 400 million years old. As a gem fossil that is made up of silica-rich calcium, the stingray coral stone holds many healing properties. The pattern of the stingray coral stone resembles a lot to that of a honeycomb, with a black outline. You can also say that stingray coral looks like the outer skin of stingray fish that is found deep inside the sea, and probably, this is why this coral stone is named “stingray”. This stone is dug from the remote regions of southeast Alaska, where this stone is formed as a result of the accumulated mass of stingray polyps.
The stingray coral stone is also believed to possess many healing properties. For instance, it is believed that wearing stingray coral jewelry could make you lucky, and ward off potential misfortunes. It is also believed to heal troubles related to the skin and hair. Healing the individual by making him naturally meditative, this stone is excellent if you wish to fix your mental health and emotional well-being. It also cures depression, especially the one caused by loneliness.
Fossilized Coral
Fossilized coral is an organic creation of marine polyps that live deep under the ocean. Since they are agatized, they are also called “agatized fossil coral” or just “agatized coral”. They are formed when the silica from groundwater ends up replacing the calcium carbonate skeleton of a coral colony buried deep under the water. This process takes a long time, anywhere between 20-30 million years, which is why it is also known as a pseudomorphic process. The fossilized coral is the official state stone of the US state of Florida and it is harvested in Tampa Bay, where it comes in various colors such as yellow, black, red, honey brown, and blue.
Fossilized coral is ruled by the planet moon as per Vedic astrology, and it is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Scorpio. This is why when it comes to the healing properties of this stone, it is seen as a grounding stone that can bring about positive change in the user's life. It is also claimed that fossilized coral can heal disorders related to the pancreas, improve the circulatory system, and fix disorders related to the eye and the skin. Talking about its emotional healing properties, this stone soothes turbulent emotions and allows people to explore relationships with a light-hearted attitude.
Sponge Coral
Sponge color is a specific coral type that is found in orange-red and yellow-orange colors. Although sponge coral is not a type of sponge, yet, its appearance looks like that of a sponge. This coral is mostly found in water reservoirs. The sponge coral is way different from red corals – its surface is very smooth, in comparison to the red corals that have a matte-like finish.
Many environmentalists claim that the sponge coral species are getting depleted because of their high demand by the jewelry industry, which is perhaps why most of the sponge coral you find in the market is a result of farming techniques. Sponge coral is mainly found in Asian countries and it is widely used in the form of jewelry in the West. The highest grade of sponge corals possess a tinge of yellow within them. The lower-grade varieties are found to have either more areas of yellow or a tint of brown in them.
The sponge coral is believed to possess many healing properties. For instance, it is associated with life force and it is said that sponge coral brings vitality and vigor to the wearer. It also enhances bodily stamina, boosts energy levels, and refreshes the mind and body. Emotionally, sponge coral is believed to soothe negative emotions, and it is said that wearing sponge coral jewelry can allow you to navigate feelings of anger, stress, and resentment with ease.
Conclusion
It does not matter whether you feel drawn to the ocean which is why you want to buy coral jewelry, or you adore the coral gemstone for its natural beauty, the coral gemstone jewelry is a must-buy and it will make up for a great addition to your jewelry collection. Are you a jewelry retailer, looking to buy wholesale coral jewelry for your retail requirements? Well, you are in luck, as all the abovementioned different types of coral stones can be shopped at Rananjay Exports, that too at wholesale rates!
Rananjay Exports is India’s top wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier, and it has a huge collection of gemstone jewelry and sterling silver jewelry. Among their sterling silver jewelry collection, you can explore chakra jewelry, sea life jewelry, moon magic jewelry, and much more. Among their gemstone jewelry, you get to choose from a vast variety of 250+ different gemstones. Start browsing Rananjay Exports and get all your requirements met when it comes to jewelry!
