gemstone
Red Coral (Precious Coral)
Corallium rubrum (calcium carbonate, primarily calcite with trace carotenes)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 3.5 on Mohs scale; deep oxblood-to-bright red color; vitreous to waxy luster; specific gravity ~2.6–2.7.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Red Coral (Precious Coral) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 3.5 on Mohs scale; deep oxblood-to-bright red color; vitreous to waxy luster; specific gravity ~2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Biogenic gemstone formed by marine polyps secreting branching calcium carbonate skeletons in rocky, dark seabed environments.
Uses & applications
Predominantly fashioned into high-end beads, cabochons, carvings, and amulets for traditional and fine jewelry.
Geological facts
Highly revered since antiquity in Mediterranean and Asian cultures as a protective talisman against evil spirits and bad luck.
Field identification & locations
Identified by fine parallel growth lines (striations) under magnification and mild effervescence with dilute acid; widely harvested in the Mediterranean Sea and western Pacific.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone