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Summary:Found as early as 6000 B.C. archaeological discoveries have found several pieces of coral used in the sixth century, perfectly preserved. These gemstones though delicate, have a long life and don’t change color even after several decades, if kept in good conditions.
Unbelievable beauty underwater - ask anyone who has been lucky enough to go
scuba diving near a Coral reef. Corals, take a long time to form. Coral reefs,
are built by algae which live inside the coral polyps. These tiny creatures take
millions of years to create the coral reefs, building on top of the skeletons of
old coral polyps. Corals grow in a tree-like formation under the ocean in
shallow waters and can grow up to one foot in height and a maximum of two inches
in width. Due to erosion, many caves and crevices are naturally formed into the
Reefs. These Reefs have given rise to an underwater cache of marine life. Small
sharks, crabs, schools of fishes in gorgeous colors and sizes, sea urchins,
eels, water snakes - a veritable treasure trove of marine life.
There are hundreds of Coral species. Many of them, Euphyllia Torch Coral,
Mushroom Corals, Star Polyp Corals, Flower Corals to name a few are cultured by
hobbyists, who want to grow corals at home in large tanks. These corals are sold
over the Internet also. Marine scientists are still discovering new corals,
which grow at depths below 800 feet. Corals, which comprise chiefly of Calcium
Carbonate, grow in shallow, warm waters, which allow the sunlight through to
help in Photosynthesis. But certain types of Corals have been found in cold
water also.
Although Corals are found in many parts of the Globe, indiscriminate coral
harvesting, pollution, global warming, underwater mining, cutting down of
forests have all contributed to the damage to the delicate coral reefs. These
reefs maintain an important ecological balance in marine life. Many countries
now have regulations against breaking and smuggling of corals outside the
country, to help save the Coral reefs.
From pinkish red to deep blood red, corals grow in a variety of colors including
Gold.
Red Coral, also called Fire Coral is the one of the five corals normally used to
make Jewellery. Harvested from under the ocean, this Coral has found mention in
the history of most coastal regions of the Globe- India, Hawaii, Atlantic,
Brazil, Italy, to name a few of the countries (over 60) in which Coral is found.
Coral is one of the few gemstones that are organic (made by nature) along with
Pearls and Amber. Black, White and Blue Corals, which are rare, are also used to
make Jewellery. These corals are almost extinct and authentic pieces command a
high price in the market.
Found as early as 6000 B.C. archaeological discoveries have found several pieces
of coral used in the sixth century, perfectly preserved. These gemstones though
delicate, have a long life and don't change color even after several decades, if
kept in good conditions. They measure 3.5 on the mohs scale, meaning these gems
have to handled with great care. Coral is brittle, scratched easily and can chip
off or even break if handled roughly.
While corals of the normal red variety are easily available and are economical,
red corals from the Mediterranean are very highly priced - these corals are a
deep attractive red and the Mediterranean coral reefs are almost extinct, making
them rare. Good quality Corals have an even coloring and do not have any
striations or holes in them. Imitation Corals are aplenty - dyed glass, plastic,
shells and even heat-treated coral powder is passed of as authentic coral.
Corals are opaque and sometimes, colored wax is filled into holes to give the
coral a more dense red color. Genuine Coral Jewellery is expensive - if it is
cheap, it is probably an imitation. It is always a good idea to buy coral from a
reputed store.
There are many legends surrounding this fiery stone. The Indians have given this
red stone a great deal of importance. Its powder and even coral ash has the
power to heal and is used in many Ayurvedic medicines. In Indian Astrology,
wearing the stone as a ring or a bracelet or even as a necklace is said to ward
of the negative influence of the Mangal graha (or the Planet Mars), which leads
to weak constitution, high blood pressure etc. It is believed the wearer of the
coral stone will be bestowed with physical and mental energy, increased
lifespan, marital happiness and youth. Indian Astrologers believe that Yellow
rays can regenerate cells of the body. The Coral has a very high number of
Yellow rays (which are visible under a Prism) and thus, it can heal maladies of
the flesh- rheumatism, genital problems and even mental disorders. Wearing a
Mangal (Coral) stone is recommended if your astrological charts show a weak
Mangal graha.
Even the Greeks have a legend about corals. It is believed that the stone gets
it red color from the blood of the head of the slain, snake haired Medusa - who
turned men into stone. The Romans wore it as an amulet around their necks during
wars as protection. The Tibetans believe that deep red coral is a healing stone.
Carved coral Buddha's, Jewellery and prayer beads are highly valued and used
even today. You may have heard about the Oracles in Greek mythology- the Oracle
lived in a dark cave and foretold the future- specially at important events.
Kings and Queens sought the decision of the Oracles, who used corals to forecast
the future. Discovery of corals on ancient Crucifixes, statues, caskets and many
other articles have proved that coral has enchanted man for millions of years.
Before Corals are polished, they appear dull and need to be sorted out for the
good, big pieces, which can be made into Jewellery. Inside the ocean, they
appear like trees and for many years, it was believed that Corals were actually
marine trees, till research proved that Corals actually comprised of tiny living
creatures! Coral Jewellery is popular both among the Fashion worshippers and
followers of religion.
Corals Combine them with pearls, set a large coral in gold or just wrap a strand
of beads around your neck, the touch of coral will make you glow. Whether you
want to please the planet Mangal to give you strength and vigour or you want to
see the envy in your neighbor's eye, Coral Jewellery can accomplish both tasks
with equal dexterity.
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