For centuries, coral—like pearl, a gift of the sea
—was classed among the precious gems valued
by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic
substance, composed of the skeletons of millions
of tiny marine animals. In its natural state, coral
is plantlike in appearance and grows in warm
water at depths of up to 90 feet. It must be
harvested live to retain its color. Though white
coral is quite common, and forms the great reefs
of the world, the rarer hues of red, orange, pink
and black are much sought after as jewelry and
amulets. Pink coral is particularly flattering to
the complexion of the wearer and is called “angel
skin”. According to ancient sources, Assyrian
glassmakers creating opaque colored glass in
imitation of precious gems were trying to form
red glass to resemble coral, rather than ruby.
Examples of coral set in precious metals are
known from Biblical, Egyptian and Classical
cultures, and its popularity has continued
unbroken through the ages. The nattier jewelry
of the Arabian Peninsula makes excellent use of
bright corals combined with silver. The
therapeutic effects of coral have long been
understood: it is used as a heart stimulant, an
antidote for fevers and toxins in the system, a
cure for colic and vomiting and a prevention for
childhood diseases. In addition, it is believed to
avert sterility. As with the pearl, coral’s
mysterious strength seems to derive from its
organic source material, the accumulated energy
of living things.
- (FJ.2457)
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