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 ninety 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 the
Biblical, Egyptian and Classical cultures, and its
popularity has continued unbroken through the
ages. The native 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.
- (SB.0304)
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