Coral - 1Earth Jewelry, Gemstone & Appraisals Magazine

CORAL Coral is not strictly a stone at all, but the external skeleton of the coral polyp, collected in the Mediterranean and off the coast of Japan. The colour ranges from white through pale pink (known as Angel Skin) to dark red. Capable of being carved and polished, coral is ideal for brooches (especially cameos), beads, rings and charms. In its natural, 'twiggy' state, known as branch coral, it was also used to make necklaces. Coral was thought to be protection against witches and enchantment; good luck charms were often attached in bunches to a carved coral hand. Necklaces and suites of jewellery were made in ropes'; minute beads of coral were strung together, then these strands were twisted together. This type of jewellery was very delicate and difficult to repair, making it rare and costly today. Imitation coral is general made of plastic, and is often far too orange. The real thing has a harder, more glassy feel.


Gemstone	Composition	Crystal System	Density	Hardness	Refractive index	Treatments
Tsavorite	Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂	Cubic	3.84	6.5 - 7	1.73 - 1.75	None
Garnet Group Almandite Andradite Grossular Pyrope Spessartite Uvaravite			Tsavorite is often confused with: Peridot Demantoid Emerald Tourmaline Glass Plastic