The Gemstone Coral

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It may be surprising to hear that Corals are gemstones. Unlike most other gems that are mineral in origin, coral is organic and living. Coral are the product of teeny tiny living beings that have made their home in gigantic colonies in the depths of warm oceans centuries ago.

Coral is a primitive gemstone that’s been used for thousands of years. There are so many variations of coral including beautiful solid colors and ones with color zones or swirls. Orange, white, pink and red coral are most prevalent. Though coral is naturally dull once polished it reveals a glassy luster.

Coral can be either porous or solid depending on the polyp formation. While beautiful coral is pretty soft and brittle and is very prone to both chipping and scratching.
Coral is protected worldwide due to environmental laws that have made its trade as a gemstone decline rapidly. Coral lives only in subtropical to tropical saltwater environments. Coral lives are places including the Red Sea, the Canary Islands, and Malaysian Coast, the Midway Islands the coast of Australia, Italy,Taiwan, and Hawaii.

See more at: https://digforgems.com/encyclopedia/coral/

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