Coral
is among the most
ancient of gem
materials, used for
adornment since
prehistoric times. Coral
inlays and ornaments
have been found in
Celtic tombs from the
Iron Age.
An
organic gem from the
sea, coral was believed
to bestow wisdom,
protect from evil, heal
wounds, and calm the
soul. A
semi-translucent to
opaque gem, coral is
formed from a colony of
marine invertebrates and
primarily made from
calcium carbonate.
White
is the most common color
in coral, but a variety
of other shades can be
found, including pink,
orange, red, and black.
The rarest color
is deep red.
