RED CORAL

Precious red coral & diamond ring, in platinum

Species:  Calcareous Coral
​​Mohs Hardness:  3 to 4 out of 10
Color:  Medium to dark red
RI:  1.486 to 1.658
Birefringence:  0.172 (birefringence blink)
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Fluorescence:  Inert to orange to pinkish orange under LW and SW.  Dark red coral can be inert to dull red to purplish red
SG:  2.65 (+/-0.05)
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Dyeing, polymer impregnation

SHOP CORAL JEWELRY

Red Coral Facts

Red coral and gold bead cluster earrings

Coral is a living marine organism that forms in branch-like structures in tropical and sub-tropical ocean waters.  When the coral polyps die, a dull, hardened skeleton remains that is polished to a waxy luster.

Most coral is white to cream in color.  Red to pink colored coral are the most valuable, and are considered precious coral.

Like pearl, coral is an organic gem that has been cherished for centuries.

Hand-carved coral cameos were popular as far back as the Georgian and Victorian Eras (circa the 18th & 19th Centuries) and are still prized by knowledgeable collectors today.

Red Coral Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)