Coral

An Introduction to Coral

Coral belongs to the category of gemstones that don’t quite fit the standard gem definition. Like amber and petrified wood, coral is not formed directly from minerals crystallizing beneath the earth’s surface. Coral used in jewelry and other decorative arts comes from the fossilized skeletons of the living coral reef. When the organisms die, the calcium carbonate skeletons remain.

Fossilized coral has a similar origin to petrified wood. Prehistoric coral skeletons are exposed to silica-rich tropical oceans. Over time the minerals in the sea water replace the coral skeleton, creating a beautiful gemstone.

Though coral in its natural state is not shiny, polishing creates a smooth, glossy sheen. The most common colors of coral are white and cream, with less common hues including pink, orange, red and black.