A Symbol of Youth, Health and Hope

For millennia, red coral (munga in Hindi; pravala in Sanskrit) has been widely used in Indian jewelry. Not a mineral, coral is an organic substance manufactured by living, minute, soft polyps who multiply by budding and who live in colonies supported by a solid, medial, internal core required for growth and created by extracting calcium carbonate from seawater.

Coral is in effect the internal skeleton, which in time develops a treelike form, permanently cemented to a rock or other solid at the sea bottom. If allowed to live to maturity, under favorable conditions up to thirty years, the main coral trunk can achieve a diameter of around two inches, although pieces of this size have always been rare.

The popularity of coral in India is a curious phenomenon because, although some exists in Indian waters, it was not regularly fished here. What probably attracted Indians to coral initially, as in the case of carnelian, was its auspicious deep red color. Other red stones include the ruby, which is rare, very expensive, and beyond the means of most people.

Equally active in the popularity of red coral is its long established place in Indian folklore. It is connected with one of the nava-grahas (nine planets), namely Mars (Mangala in Sanskrit), and associated with Karttikeya, the god of war. (The word mangala also refers to anything that is regarded as auspicious, such as an amulet.) Coral is believed to have the power to dispel the malignant effects of the evil eye, which accounts for its very popular use.

Color: Coral comes in a variety of colors: in red, rose, orange, blue, white and black.

Description: Coral is the skeletal material of calcium carbonate, built up by small animals that live in colonies in the sea. Red, pink, and white coral is mostly calcium carbonate. Black and golden coral is conchiolin.
Coral is usually branchlike and occurs in a variety of colors, of which the most sought after are rose red to red. In addition to coral, a number of other organic materials, including amber, pearl, ivory, and jet, are considered gems.

Wedding anniversary: Coral is the anniversary gemstone for the 35th year of marriage.

Shopping guide: Corals are beautiful in rings, necklaces, and pendants. Coral is said to protect children and it is given as a gift to children in many countries. Coral is often imitated by plastic, glass, porcelain, and stained bone. Natural coral has a distinctive wood grain texture which can help identify it as the real thing.

Healing ability: Coral is used in difficulties of the lungs and digestion. It relates to the circulation of the blood and to the heart.
Coral helps restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict. It works against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy.

Mystical power: Coral is said to cure madness and give wisdom. Coral is used to build an emotional foundation. Coral protects children. It aids in the safe crossing of rivers, passages through tempests. It excites nerve power, brilliancy and gladness and is a true health-giver. Note that coral loses its powers when broken.

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