gemstone

Carved red coral bead (likely coral or coral-colored resin)

Corallium spp. (precious coral; calcium carbonate, CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Red, opaque, matte-to-waxy luster, hardness about 3–4 Mohs, and no visible crystal structure; the intricate raised pattern is carved. The image alone cannot exclude dyed bone, resin, or plastic imitation.

Identified August 21, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Carved red coral bead (likely coral or coral-colored resin)
Scientific name: Corallium spp. (precious coral; calcium carbonate, CaCO₃)
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 if resin or imitation; $50–$300 for a small authenticated carved coral bead, with fine antique or large specimens potentially much higher.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Precious coral forms as aragonite skeletons of colonial marine organisms in deep, rocky Mediterranean and Pacific waters; growth is extremely slow, typically over decades to centuries. It is biological rather than an igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, jewelry, ornaments, and carvings; genuine coral is a regulated marine material. Construction use is negligible.

Geological facts

Natural coral commonly shows tiny pores, growth lines, and color variation; uniform bright red color and unusually light weight may indicate dye or resin. Acid testing can damage it and should be done only by a professional.

Field identification & locations

Check under magnification for organic pores and layered growth, and use a gemologist’s spectroscopy or density testing for confirmation; common sources include the Mediterranean, Japan, Taiwan, and the Pacific. Avoid heat, acids, and harsh chemicals.