fossil
Coral Skeleton (Scleractinia)
Aragonite (CaCO3) biomineralisation within Anthozoa
Hardness: 3.5-4.0 (Mohs); Color: white to off-white; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: porous, radial septa visible in corallites; Specific gravity: approx. 2.9
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- white to off-white
- Luster
- dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-4.0 (Mohs); Color: white to off-white; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: porous, radial septa visible in corallites; Specific gravity: approx. 2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed by calcium carbonate secretions from marine polyps in shallow, warm seawater environments. This specimen is a modern or sub-fossil biological remainder.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for aquarium decoration, home decor, and historically in jewelry or as a source of calcium carbonate for lime.
Geological facts
Coral reefs are the largest structures on Earth of biological origin. This specimen shows individual corallites where the polyps once lived.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the distinct radial pore patterns (septa) and porous, brittle texture. Found on tropical beaches or shallow reef zones globally. Use caution as many species are protected under CITES.
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