gemstone

Angel Skin Coral

Corallium rubrum / Corallium spp. (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)

Hardness: 3.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale pink to salmon, often variegated. Luster: Vitreous to dull when polished. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (aragonite). Cleavage: None distinct. Specific gravity: 2.60-2.70.

Hardness: 3
Color: Pale pink to salmon, often variegated
Luster: Vitreous to dull when polished

Identified August 1, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates (octocorals) secreted over decades or centuries in deep-sea tropical and subtropical marine environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end fine jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and carvings.

Geological facts

Angel skin coral is highly prized in Asian and Victorian jewelry for its delicate pastel hue. Due to overharvesting and environmental regulations, trade in natural precious coral is heavily regulated.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive organic origin, warm waxy-to-vitreous luster when polished, and characteristic concentric growth patterns visible under magnification. Found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean around Japan and Taiwan.

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