DESCRIPTION:

The coral gemstone, also known as red coral or Lal Moonga, is one of the most precious gems in the gemstone family. It is an organic gemstone and should not be confused with mined stones or any other minerals. This material, which is a possession of the sea, is the secretion continuously deposited by marine polyps. They resemble underwater plants but are not plants in reality. The color of this wonderful gem is red, and the deeper the depth from where the coral is found, the darker its color becomes. Apart from its usual red color, you can also find shades like pink, reddish-pink, scarlet, and saffron. It has a matte finish, and polishing adds glossiness to the gem.

The color of the stone does not fade and is permanent. This stone is also set in materials used for decorative purposes. The popularity of this precious gemstone has not diminished, and it is considered one of the most important gems in jewelry making. Due to its soft nature, it is cut into various shapes and used in necklaces, bracelets, etc.

This exquisite gem is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea and also off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. This precious gem was traded between the Mediterranean and India. It was highly prized, and Indians believed it possessed great power and sacredness. Initially, this gemstone adorned weapons and other decorative pieces. However, its demand grew so much that it began to become scarce even in its native regions.

One of the most fascinating aspects of coral is that it grows perpendicularly from the surface where it is anchored. The high value of this gem is mainly due to its sacred and powerful significance compared to other gemstones. It was used to adorn weapons and believed to provide protection to the wearer. Egyptians believed this gemstone could safeguard the dead because they believed it contained divine blood. This powerful gem was also worn around the necks of children for protection from danger.

The permanent color of this gemstone has secured its prominent place in the world of jewelry. However, special care must be taken when using it daily. Unlike other precious stones, this beautiful red gem should be stored separately and cleaned only with a soft cloth. Exposure to sunlight can damage it.

Coral from the ocean is renowned not only for its origin but also for being a product of a living organism underwater. Sometimes, counterfeit stones are sold instead of genuine coral. To determine its authenticity, it can be examined under a magnifying glass. If the surface is not smooth and shows granules, it is likely a fake. Genuine coral has the ability to radiate its color and slightly change the color of the solution in which it is placed. All these features make coral a priceless possession and one of the most beautiful gems in the world.

MINING:

Purpose and Methods of Coral Mining

Coral mining serves various purposes worldwide, with the primary use being the transformation of coral into limestone or a substitute for cement, widely employed in construction. Island nations like the Maldives, where significant quantities of coral are annually collected for infrastructure development, utilize it for constructing roads, houses, and seawalls due to its cost-effectiveness. Additionally, coral can be processed into calcium supplements or burned to produce lime, particularly in regions with acidic farmland like Australia, where lime is crucial for soil pH adjustment and enhancing crop yields.

Tourism also drives coral mining, as locals often fashion coral into jewelry for sale to visitors, despite its impact on reef ecosystems. Furthermore, coral is used in medical applications, such as bone graft clinical trials, and is harvested live for the marine aquarium industry.

Methods of Coral Mining

Coral mining employs two main methods:

Dynamite

Dynamite blasting is used to fragment coral into smaller pieces that are easier to transport inland. However, this method causes widespread reef damage and is less controlled than manual extraction

Manual Collection

Collectors manually retrieve coral, using tools like iron bars to break larger corals into manageable pieces for transport to shore. This method is more controlled but still impacts local reef ecosystems.

Locations of Coral Mining

Coral mining occurs in locations worldwide where coral is accessible, typically near cays in shallow waters. Prominent areas include the Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, Panama, Indonesia, and East Africa, where mining activities are often coordinated with low tides for easier extraction.

In summary, while coral mining serves various industrial, commercial, and construction purposes, its methods and locations highlight significant environmental considerations due to its impact on fragile reef ecosystems.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

• Name :  Coral
• Heat Sensitivity :  Sensitive
• Formula :  Calcareous coral, primarily made of calcite: CaCO₃Conchiolin coral, primarily made of conchiolin, an organic protein: C₃₂H₄₈N₂O₁₁
• Etymology :  From the Greek korallion.
• Colors : White, pink, pale to deep rose red, salmon pink, red to dark red, blue (rarely), black. May be banded or zoned and show a cellular structure.
• Fracture : Splintery, uneven
• Hardness : 3.5-4
• Cleavage : None
• Wearability : Poor
• Crystallography : Hexagonal (R)
• Refractive Index : Calcite coral: 1.69 and 1.49 (not usually measurable). Conchiolin (black coral) has an RI of 1.56.
• Birefringence : 0.160
• Dispersion : None
• Luminescence : Pale violet or dull purplish red
• Luminescence Present : Yes
• Luminescence Type : Fluorescent
• Absorption Spectrum : Not diagnostic
• Pleochroism: None
• Optics : Uniaxial (-)
• Optic Sign : Uniaxial (-)
• Luster : Dull to vitreous
• Polish Luster : Waxy, dull, vitreous
• Fracture Luster : Dull
• Specific Gravity : 2.6-2.7. Note: Black coral, composed of conchiolin, has a specific gravity of 1.34.
• Enhancements : Bleaching, dyeing, infusion/impregnation, surface coating.
• Typical Treatments : Bleaching, Dyeing, Infusion/Impregnation, Surface Coating.
• Transparency : Semitransparent to opaque