organic gemstone
Dyed Coral
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) - Calcite or Aragonite with dye
Hardness 3-4, vitreous to dull luster. White naturally but dyed pink/red in this specimen. Displays characteristic star-like or radiating polyp patterns from the coral skeleton.
Identified More organic gemstone →
Explore Dyed Coral in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 3-4, vitreous to dull luster. White naturally but dyed pink/red in this specimen. Displays characteristic star-like or radiating polyp patterns from the coral skeleton.
Formation & geological history
Formed by marine polyps creating calcium carbonate skeletons. Harvested from oceans and then artificially dyed to enhance color.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in inexpensive jewelry, beads, and carvings.
Geological facts
Many red/pink looking stones in the market with this radiating star pattern are actually dyed fossilized coral or modern coral.
Field identification & locations
Identifier is the distinct polyp structure (the circular/star patterns) combined with a pink/red color that often looks unnatural or pools in crevices, indicating dye.
More like this
Other organic gemstone specimens
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Amber
Succinrite (Organic Gemstone)
mineraloid
Amber
Organic gemstone (Succinite)
mineral
Amber
Succinates (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Amber
Succinicum (Organic Gemstone - Resinite)
mineraloid
Rough Amber (likely Copal or immature Amber)
Organic gemstone / Succinite (if Baltic)
mineral