Coral: properties, colors, how it looks and how to care?

Corals are formed from the skeletons of sea creatures. They are hard and easy to industrial processing, after which the matte surface becomes shiny. Many mineral is valued as jewelry, but it is not suitable for everyone.

The first corals were discovered 25 thousand years ago. At first, only the inhabitants of the Mediterranean could admire the extraordinary miracle of nature. Segments of corals, raised to the surface, immediately lost their beauty under the influence of the sun and air. Then the jewelers of those years tried to polish the stone. And when the stone turned from an ordinary boring mineral into a real decoration, seasonal mining of corals was started.

Even then, this stone belonged to the symbols of peace of mind. Even the ancient Egyptians decorated themselves with coral talismans, designed to maintain patience in the soul, restraint, save from the blues.

For many decades, this miracle of nature was considered a plant, but in the XVIII century its animal origin was proved. It turned out that stone deposits are the skeletons of dead sea creatures, fossilized by the pressure of sea water. Next corals are engaged in polyps, emit a lime mixture, due to which the size of the fossils increases, and they themselves form bizarre forms. The "branches" of the coral "tree" can reach 40 cm in length.

As a rule, the top of the tree is most appreciated. The miners extract corals from the seabed using coarse nets. Such weighty prey has to be dragged along the bottom and, although this process is automated, during this time most of the corals spoil and depreciate.

Therefore, manual material extraction is still very relevant. The profession of a diver is quite in demand, but there are not so many people who want to become a getter.. The fact is that the seabed carries too many dangers to humans, and many divers perish when the mineral is mined. Also in this profession is high risk of death from decompression sickness.

Mostly natural stones come across with some flaws, these are cracks and holes, the surface becomes flat only after careful processing. Occasionally there are natural ideal samples without defects, however, even such specimens are polished to give shine.

At the mention of coral jewelry, many people have an image of red beads in their heads, but this stone is of many other types and colors. Consider the main groups of minerals.

• Noble. This type is used in the manufacture of jewelry.
• Root. Represent a bushy formation.
• Frothy. They are compounds of hard and soft rocks.

Also, corals can be divided into precious and semi-precious. They differ in their structure, texture and brilliance. Materials include precious minerals. bright, solid, shining, they have a slightly less porous structure. Harvest them is more difficult, because they are valued higher. Semiprecious species have a more faded colorThey are slightly softer and rather porous. They are not so difficult to find, it all leads to a lower price for a stone.

As for the coloring of the stone, there are more than 350 species. The most popular shades even got their own names.

• Bianco. Stone white.
• Acori. Blue variety, refers to the rarest. Especially prized sponge specimens, having a rich, almost blue color.
• Angel skin. Pale pink stone.
• Bull blood. So called scarlet minerals.
• Fiery. Bright red stone.
• Akabar. Black stone.

The color of coral depends on the composition. A stone can contain any amount of organic matter (at least 1%, at least 100%) and will still be called coral. For example, the black variety is the most valuable, that is, organic, but this species belongs to the Red Book, therefore its industrial mining is prohibited.

Corals form in the sea at a depth of 3 to 5 meters. They look like stone trees. During artificial processing with them the top layer is removed, which has not had time to turn to stone. Next happens sorting by quality, color and other parameters. Only the processed stone is sent for sale. In its natural form, the material has no value, in the air, it loses its beauty and only after processing is it again filled with radiance and brilliance.

Material extraction is possible in any place where such “trees” “grow”. They occur in the seas and oceans, where the water temperature is more than + 21 ° C. The most common "hunt" for corals in the Mediterranean, here fossil accumulations are found near the coast of Tunisia, Algeria, Italy, as well as the Canary Islands and Australia. Some black varieties that are considered more valuable find in the Red Sea, along the Malaysian archipelago, off the coast of India.

Submitted material for the most part consists of calcium carbonate. Also contains some iron oxide and magnesium carbonate. As already mentioned, sometimes organic makes up only 1% of the total stone. By its structure, the stone is porous, and its natural surface is matte and even rough. Only after industrial waxing polishing the stone becomes glossy.

Along the edges of this coral shines through, but in general the mineral is opaque. He is quite hard. For example, red stones have a Mohs score of 3-4, and black stones are two times lower. Therefore, their surface is easily scratched.

If a stone is improperly processed and painted in production, then during use as a decoration, it quickly becomes unusable, burns out and dims. For example, the least valuable white and pink varieties are treated with hydrogen peroxide solution, after which the stones are filled with an expensive red tint, then the material goes through a chemical staining stage. Just such a copy and can not boast of a long service life.

It is believed that the coral has magical powers. He is able to restore composure and adjust to the right mood of a person with fine mental organization. This stone aligns emotions and makes a person always be at peace. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that coral is able to protect people from the devil, in connection with which some clerics still use this item. Another belief is that coral gives wisdomtherefore, it is often used as a talisman.

Religious leaders made rosaries of small stones. Even now, some crosses have preserved red crystals. Corals helped priests not only to defend themselves from the machinations of the devil, but also to resist worldly temptations.

In India, only wealthy people had the opportunity to become owners of such a magic stone.It was believed that this particular nugget would help preserve savings and an honorable place in society. Some travelers still take this stone with them on hikes, as according to their observations the mineral is able to change the weather, protect from danger, attract good luck, calm the storm and thunderstorm, bring warmth and comfort to the house.

It is believed that Blue copies reliably protect their owner from accidents, lead to longevity, fill life with happiness and harmony. For example, even in our time, many older people leave a stone at the head of the bed, because, in their opinion, it gives strength, vitality and strengthens health. Some peoples blue mineral symbolizes excessive modesty. Another belief says that this stone is able to protect people from rumors and gossip.

In ancient Rome, the healing properties of coral were first described. On the basis of this material, medicines were prepared. Especially in this regard, appreciated the white specimens. It is believed that the mineral strengthens the immune system and accelerates recovery.

Red varieties are prized in the world of psychology. It is noted that they stabilize the emotional balance and generally have a positive effect on the human psyche. The mineral can be used, for example, to develop logic and intuition. Also, red stones help with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, to clean the blood, remove toxins and toxins from the body.

Powder is made from marine material, which is then used to produce implants. This is achieved by a porous stone structure, very similar to the structure of bone tissue. For medical purposes, it is permissible to use only treated stone.

It is known that the stone is selected according to the sign of the zodiac. So, astrologers advise wearing coral jewelry. Cancers and Pisces, for them the gem fits perfectly. Fishes are advised to give preference to red and brown species, and Cancers prefer pink patterns.

Aries can wear coral as a protective talisman, and Taurus stone is able to give success. If the nugget wears a representative of the constellation Libra, he can be calm for his harmonious communication with others, and Gemini coral will save from damage and the evil eye.

Allowed to wear coral jewelry Lionsthen they may not worry about their health. Red and pink species can bring good luck. Scorpions. But Virgo and Capricorn Astrologers forbid wearing this stone.

Coral is a universal stone that can be attributed to three elements at once: Water, Earth, Fire. But while using this mineral, it is important to take into account compatibility with other materials.

A buyer who does not want to encounter fake coral should be alerted to a price that is too low. Now from the fakes on the market most often the following options.

• Artificial stone or Gilson's coral. It was created in Switzerland from calcium powder in 1972. The physical and chemical properties of a synthetic sample are almost the same as natural stone, they look the same, but the price of an artificial counterpart is much lower. If you look at the surface, then on the artificial specimen there will be no mesh pattern characteristic of a real coral.
• Quartzite. Another cheap option, which is an analogue of natural stone. You can distinguish it by touching the surface. Quartzite will always be cold.
• Imitation. Such a sample is made of pressed coral chips, supplemented with dyes and plastic. In the market, you can find very cheap glass or plastic fakes. You can distinguish fake by color uniformity. In its natural form, a stone rarely has a similar color.

Another way to determine the natural origin is to grind a stone particle and add acetic acid. A chemical reaction will cause bubbles to appear on the natural sample.. In addition, a real copy, after lying for a long time in water, acquires a rich color, and this does not happen with its analogs; low-quality painted imitations can be dull or change color when in water.

In order for the mineral to retain its brilliance and color for a long time, it is necessary to periodically rinse it with ordinary tap water. It is allowed to use special means. When the decoration fades, you can treat it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, it will help to return the original color. Avoid contact with sunlight, as ultraviolet also has a negative effect on the brightness of the jewel and leads to a short life span.

The following video will tell you about the amazing properties of coral.