Coral

Organic Gems

Coral is an organic gemstones. Most gemstones are formed from inorganic substances, but a number of gemstones are from organic sources, that is from living things, either plants or animals. Coral is the "skeleton" formed by the individual polyps, plant-like animals, which make up a colony.

Colours

Red and pink are the usual colours for coral, but white and black are also known.

Forms

Coral is usually polished en cabochon or into beads, but is also often carved.