Coral Gemstone Information
Coral is among the most ancient of gem materials, used for adornment since pre-historic times. Coral is an organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. The hard skeleton of red coral branches, which is naturally matte, is polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm reddish pink colors from pale pink to deep red and sometimes also orangish red.
Sources of Coral
Most coral used in jewelry is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. Coral is also found in Algeria, Tunisia, Spain, Italy, France, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and India. Italian Coral is particularly famous. The finest specimens come from Sardinia and Tunisia; larger, less fine ones from Japan and China.
Coral in Mythology
The origin of coral is explained in Greek mythology by the story of Perseus. Having petrified Cetus, the sea monster threatening Andromeda, Perseus placed Medusa’s head on the riverbank while he washed his hands. When he recovered her head, he saw that her blood had turned the seaweed (in some variants the reeds) into red coral. Thus, the Greek word for coral is ‘Gorgeia’, as Medusa was one of the three Gorgons.
Poseidon resided in a palace made of coral and gems, and Hephaestus first crafted his work from coral.
The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure wounds made by snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing color. Pliny has recorded the trade of coral between Mediterranean and India in the first century A.D.
Coral in Astrology
Since ancient times, Coral gemstone has been given recognition by all astrologers. Coral gemstones should be worn by soldiers, policemen, electricians, surgeons, players and the workers of ordinance factory. It is useful for enhancing self-confidence, administrative capability and the power of utilizing the rights in social & political spheres .
It is beneficial in deals involving buying and selling of land and properties. Coral gemstones is said to prevent abortion, fever, piles, impotency, typhus, smallpox etc. Children can be saved from diseases like rickets and stomach ache, by wearing coral mala or beads around their necks. The use of coral oxide with honey makes one strong and with betel leaf, the coral paste cures the man from cough and the heart disease.
Rituals for Wearing Coral
- The weight of the gemstone should not be less than 3 Ratti (360 mg or 2.71 carats approx). The Coral weighing 5,7,9,11,13 rattis are more fortune giving.
- Coral should be studded in copper or yellow gold ring.
- Before wearing the coral ring for the first time, immerse it in raw cow’s milk and wash it in the Ganga river water.
- Day for wearing: Tuesday
- Time for wearing: The best time to wear a coral ring is one hour after sunrise or up to 11:00 a.m.
How to Choose a Coral
A good coral:
- Should have deep red color
- Must have a regular shape and even surface
- Should be Round or oval shape
- Should be Free of dents, holes, or perforations
- Must be Smooth
Tests for Identification of Real Coral
- If real coral is placed in glass of cow’s milk, the color of the milk will appear pink or take on a red tinge. Imitation coral will not affect the whiteness of milk.
If a coral is dropped in blood, blood will thicken around it.- A true coral changes color according to the physical well-being of the wearer. It fades before the disorder in physical health is noticeable and resumes its original color when physical health is restored.