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. The mineral is valued by many 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. Pieces of coral, 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 coral mining began.

Even then, this stone belonged to the symbols of peace of mind. Even the ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with coral talismans, designed to preserve patience, restraint, and save from spleen in the soul.

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, petrified by the pressure of sea water. Further, polyps that produce a calcareous mixture are involved in coral, due to which the size of the fossils increases, and they themselves form bizarre shapes. The "branches" of the coral "tree" can reach 40 cm in length.

As a rule, the top of the tree is most valued. Miners get corals from the bottom of the sea with the help of coarse mesh.Such a significant prey has to be dragged along the bottom, and although this process is automated, most of the corals deteriorate and depreciate during this.

Therefore, manual extraction of material is still very relevant. The profession of a diver is quite in demand, but there are not many who want to become a getter. The fact is that the seabed carries too many dangers for humans, and many divers die when mining minerals. Also in this profession there is a high risk of death from a caisson disease.

Basically, natural stones come across with some flaws, these are cracks and holes, a smooth surface becomes only after careful processing. Occasionally, natural, ideal specimens are found without defects, however, even such specimens undergo polishing to give shine.

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

• Noble. This type is used in the manufacture of jewelry.
• Root. They are bushy formations.
• Foamy. They are compounds of hard and soft rocks.

Also, corals can be divided into precious and semiprecious. They differ in their structure, texture and brilliance. Precious minerals include materials bright, solid, shiningthey have a slightly less porous structure. It is more difficult to get them, because they are valued higher. Semiprecious species have a faded colorthey are slightly softer and rather porous. They are not so difficult to find, all this leads to a lower price for a stone.

As for the color of the stone, more than 350 species stand out here. The most popular shades even got their own names.

• Bianco. The stone is white.
• Akori. The blue variety is one of the rarest. Sponge specimens having a rich, almost blue color are especially valued.
• 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 variety, therefore its commercial production 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 that has not had time to petrify is removed. Next comes 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 air, it loses its beauty and only after processing it is again filled with radiance and brilliance.

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

Submitted Material mostly composed of calcium carbonate. Also contains some iron oxide and magnesium carbonate. As already mentioned, sometimes organics is only 1% of the total stone. The structure of the stone is porous, and its natural surface is matte and even rough. Only after industrial processing with wax polishes does the stone become glossy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In ancient Rome, the healing properties of coral were first described. Based on this material, drugs were prepared. White specimens were especially appreciated in this regard. It is believed that the mineral strengthens the immune system and accelerates recovery.

Red varieties are valued in the world of psychology. It is noted that they stabilize the emotional balance and generally positively affect the human psyche. A mineral can be used, for example, to develop logic and intuition. Also, red stones help with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, to cleanse the blood, remove toxins and toxins from the body.

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

It is known that the stone is selected taking into account the zodiac sign. So, astrologers advise wearing coral jewelry Cancer and Pisces, for them the gem is perfect. Fishes are recommended to give preference to red and brown species, and Crayfish - pink patterns.

Aries can wear coral as a protective mascot, and Taurus stone can give success. If the nugget is a member of the constellation Libra, then he can be calm for his harmonious communication with others, and Twins coral will protect from damage and the evil eye.

Coral jewelry allowed LionsThen they may not worry about their health. Red and pink species can bring luck Scorpions. But Virgo and Capricorn astrologers forbid wearing this stone.

Coral is a universal stone that can be attributed immediately to the three elements: Water, Earth, Fire. But while using this mineral, it is important to consider compatibility with other materials.

A buyer who does not wish to encounter fake coral should be wary of too low a price. Now, of the fakes on the market, the following options are most often found.

• Artificial stone or Gilson's coral. It was created in Switzerland from calcium powder in 1972. The physicochemical properties of the synthetic sample are almost similar to natural stone, they look the same, but the price of the artificial analog is much lower. If you look closely at the surface, then on the artificial specimen there will be no mesh pattern characteristic of 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 from pressed coral chips, complemented by dyes and plastic. On the market you can find very cheap glass or plastic fakes. You can distinguish fake by color uniformity. In its natural form, the stone rarely has a similar color.

Another way to determine the natural origin is to grind a particle of stone and add acetic acid. A chemical reaction will cause bubbles to appear on the natural sample.. In addition, a real specimen, having lain in water for a long time, acquires a saturated color, but this does not happen with its counterparts; poor-quality painted imitations, when in water, may fade or change color.

In order for the mineral to retain its luster and color for a long time, it is necessary to periodically rinse it with ordinary tap water. It is allowed to use special tools. When the decoration fades, you can treat it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, this will help restore the original color. Avoid contact with the sun, as ultraviolet light also negatively affects the brightness of the jewel and leads to a short lifetime.

The following video will talk about the amazing properties of coral.