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COMPOSITION:
Coral is an organic gemstone - like pearl,
jet, and amber - composed of the external
skeletal remains of the coral polyp, a tiny
tube-shaped sea creature. Millions of polyps
build their skeletons (made of calcium
carbonate with a trace of carotene) on the
abandoned remains of other polyps, creating
massive coral reefs. Coral is much softer than
other gem materials with a hardness of only 3.5

LOCALITIES:
When you say the word coral, most people think of the coral reefs in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. However most of the precious red, pink and white coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. Where the two species of coral, Corallium rubrum and Corallium japonicum, traditionally used in jewelry are found.

Black coral is a plant that came mostly from Mexico and the Caribbean. It is no longer commercially available. Black coral grows in all oceans. But black coral does not form
reefs or heads, and instead resembles a tree growing on the ocean floor. This rare coral,
in its live form, does not look black at all. Tiny, delicate polyps branch off thin stems like
fern fronds, camouflaging the hard core inside. Most black coral trees spread to about 1
meter (3 ft) in diameter. Even at this size, the stems are quite small. It takes quite an old colony to produce stems large enough to make jewelry. A 4-foot black coral is about 20
years old.

South Pacific waters yield a popular shade of blush-pink coral called "angel skin" that can
be expensive, but is not considered to be as high in quality as red Mediterranean coral.

ENDANGERED SUPPLY:
The market for coral in the United States is thriving. There is apparently still enough supply, either from new sources or stockpiled inventory, to meet demand. However, the coral
industry is bracing for an eventual worldwide shortage. Coral trade has been regulated for decades. Coral reefs are one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet today. They are threatened by rapidly warming ocean waters, harmful bacteria, pollution, and destructive fishing methods. The availability of new coral is dwindling as underwater supplies are depleted. Japan has already imposed strict quotas. The United States, requires permits
for importation of coral. Some species of coral may not be brought into the country for commercial use and Italian divers must dive deeper and deeper to get new red coral.

FACTS & HISTORY:
The premier coral on the market is "oxblood" red coral, harvested in the deep waters of
the Mediterranean. Associated throughout history with Italian workmanship. Coral beads
of 50 mm diameter can run up to $50,000 retail at the high end, although a more common
price for cabochons is under $80. Wholesale. The price has been going up in the past few
years by 15 to 20 percent a year. Ther has been a coral trade between Naples, Italy, and Marseille, France, for thousands of years and a number of the ancient towns buried by Mt. Vesuvius eruptions were known for coral work and cameo-making. 13th century explorer Marco Polo noted the use of Coral for fashioning idols in Asian Temples. Coral is also one
of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures and Tibetan Lamas use coral rosaries. Coral
was long thought to be a strong talisman against bleeding, evil spirits, and hurricanes. Coral inlays and ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs dating back to the Iron Age.

TESTS:
Today Allot of the new red coral is a fossilized coral
from Tibet and China. Originally white, the coral has
been dyed for hundreds of years and is considered
holy by the Tibetan monks. To the right is an example
of this variety of dyed coral. These beads are often
very large and if you look close you can usually see
the horn coral pattern on the ends. Vinegar on natural
coral will bubble. Sometimes these will bubble too. If
all of the calcium carbonate is not fossilized. The older
beads can be tested by soaking in water or with acetone
to detect the dye. Although the new beads are color en-
hanced and heat treated to make the color permanent.
Allot of the new coral in the United States market today
is dyed and the greatest concern for dealers and consumers is disclosure.

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