gemstone

Red coral beads

Precious coral, commonly Corallium rubrum (calcium-carbonate skeleton)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, vivid red, polished beads with a waxy-to-glassy luster; primarily calcite, Mohs hardness about 3–4, trigonal crystal structure. The image shows jewelry beads, so natural coral cannot be confirmed from appearance alone; dyed or imitation material is possible.

Identified October 4, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Precious coral is formed by colonies of marine animals that build calcium-carbonate skeletons, accumulating in deep-sea habitats over time. Coral jewelry material is sourced from the Mediterranean and western Pacific.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and decorative crafts; high-quality natural coral is valued, while trade is regulated in many regions.

Geological facts

Coral is an animal-derived biogenic material, not a rock type; it is classified here as a gemstone. Red beads may also be dyed stone, shell, resin, or plastic.

Field identification & locations

Natural coral can show subtle color variation and organic structure; inspect drill holes and magnification for natural texture, and seek gemological testing to distinguish imitations. The photo alone is insufficient for certain identification.