Red Coral
Create Red Coral gemstone jewelry
Name Origin: The hard skeleton of red coral branches is naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm reddish pink colors from pale pink to deep red; the word coral is also used to name such colors. Precious coral skeletons have been harvested since antiquity for decorative use. Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric european burials and continues to be made to the present day.
Historical significance/folklore: Once thought to be a plant, coral has been called the "garden of the sea". The ancient Egyptians placed pieces of coral in tombs as a protection against evil spirits because they believed that each piece truly contained a drop of divine blood. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus chopped off the head of the Gorgon Medusa, some drops of blood splashed into the sea, and thereby solidified into coral.
Gemstone properties: Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart.
Healing properties: Red Coral has been used as an aid to depression, lethargy deficient nutrition.
