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Coral – A Gemstone in Tune With Changing Times

Life is a process in which entities sprout to active state, lives its existence until the D-day comes for it to exit from the world. History is witness to this marvel of spectacle, the endless arrival and departure of entities into and from this world. With passage of time, things wither away and lose that vital thing called utility value. But there are some, which withstand the ravages of Father Time, they stay to conquer, come out unscathed and ultimately emerge to retain that vital thing called utility value. One among them is Gemstones and among gemstones is one called Coral. It has stayed on like its illustrious compatriots like diamond, rubies, sapphire and so on. To this day it remains one of the very popular gemstones. With a history dating back to an age when humans were yet to converse with each other properly, it can claim to be one of nature’s wonders. The way it originated also adds that special lustre to its appeal.

The gemstone has its origin deep undersea through the deposits of skeletons of microscopic animals called Coral Polyps. When the gemstone spring to life they possess tree-like shape that is plants with branches, with maximum number of polyps being fed with nutrients in the water surrounding the colony. It is found in depths of 100 to 150 feet. Where the water is shallow, the colour of the gem is darker and where the water is deep, the colour comes across lighter in colour. Another fine aspect that needs to be mentioned is that they come as natural as can be. It is softer than most gemstones and with a hardness of only 3.5. It is found in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Australia, Africa, India, Germany, Italy and the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. The genuineness of the gemstone can be found when kept wrapped in cotton in sunshine; the cotton catches fire after sometime. Where it is placed in a bowl of milk, the gemstone colour becomes red.

A glance through the story of Coral will shed light on its immense appeal and charisma.

History

• Precious gem jewellery is termed as the oldest type of gemstone jewellery, of which some of its pieces are stated to be as old as 25,000 years.
• It is one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures. Tibetan Lamas use the gemstone as rosaries.
• Coral inlays and ornaments were found in Caltic tombs in the Iron Age.
• In ancient days the gemstone was said to worn predominantly on Tuesday.
• The ancient Greeks used this gemstone against storms; prevent blight, locusts and caterpillar from destroying their crops, and to head off the dangers of poison and sorcery.
• In Hindu mythology, the gemstone was one of the nine precious gems used in their sacred amulets.
• In China the altar of the Sun was made of red coral.
• Legend tales tells that sailors and travellers favoured the gemstone as it possessed powers to allow them to cross rivers and seas safely.

Colour

Coral comes in various colours. It is calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene. Its colours take the hue of White to Red. But it is best in three colours- black, red and pink, each one of them having its own allure and charm. Black Coral is termed exotic and dramatic; Pink Coral is termed as delicate. Red Coral is rich in depth. Among the three colours, black colour is said to be very rare, a polished one allows one to see one’s own reflection in the gemstone. Pink coral has the appearance of beautiful and fragrant blossoms of an island. Red Coral is said to be revered the most for its colour, lustre and texture.

Usage and Benefits

• It has for long been regarded as a powerful talisman against evil spirits, bleeding and hurricanes.
• The wearing of red coral stone or strand of beads is recommended to strengthen Mars, The effect is far greater when the colour is deep red and if worn properly. Also it should be worn when the colour is at its best, seen by everyone and its real power felt.
• Red Coral wearing also enhances vitality, courage and ability to make the work involved in a success. In addition to this, it also aids people in tackling problems of nightmares, anxiety, stress and accidents. Where a serious accident or ailment is averted, the gemstone colour turns black or breaks or gets lost.
• Red Corals is said to strengthen muscles of the body and the male reproductive system. It is also effective against whopping cough, hard pains, stomach ailments, diabetes, pneumonia, tuberculosis, anaemia, asthma, inflammation, constipation, piles and so on. It is also said to cure madness.
• Children who suffer from malnutrition and slow development also find relief through usage of this gemstone.
• It should be worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
• It is the gemstone of Mars and has to be worn as per the position of Mars in one’s horoscope.
• Black Coral acts as a wonderful gift as well as a fine treasure item.
• Where one dreams of this gemstone, one can visualise recovery from illness, enduring friendships (red coral), exotic sexual pleasure (pink coral) and unfaithfulness (white coral).

Precautions

• Coral should be kept in proper storage and should be protected from starch markings.
• It is porous and as such should not come into contact with chemicals.
• It should be cleaned with a moist soft cloth.
• The wearing of gemstones like diamond, emerald, sapphire and zircon should be avoided when one wears Coral.

Coral is fine value, where worn with proper care it fetches the optimum benefit. It is gemstone with a chequered past and a bright future.