THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Coral
An organic gem material made from the skeletons of certain marine organisms.
Colors & patterns
Red, pink, peach, white and other tones, sometimes dyed.
Typical origins
Source depends on species; precious coral includes Mediterranean and Pacific materials.
Hardness
About 3–4 for precious coral
Choosing & setting this material
Coral is soft and sensitive to chemicals. Ask for species, sourcing and treatment details. Fossil coral replaced by silica is a different material with different care needs.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments