Different colors of coral

Different colors of coral

07-02-2021
There are more than 7000 different species of coral in the world. However, only six species are used in jewelry, also known as “Precious Corals”, a focus topic of our post.
Precious corals are only present in red, pink and white color ranges. These categories are divided into many different nuances, which indicate the place where the coral was collected. For a non-expert eye it is quite difficult to identify the main information, although on this occasion we will illustrate some basic concepts.
 

Red Coral

The red coral has a very wide range of color, from a light red to a very intense red and includes both corals that come from the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is the color that can most easily lead to confusion. To recognize the various types of red coral it is good to know that the Mediterranean Red Coral, scientific name Corallium Rubrum, is present along all the coasts of the Mediterranean.
It is therefore present in Italy, Spain, France, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Greece and Croatia. Conformation and shades of color vary according to the place of collection.
A very small part of the Mediterranean coral takes on a pink shade. An official scale is being defined which will make it possible to identify and recognize the various colors of Corallium Rubrum. This project is promoted by Assocoral with the Cibjo coral commission. Corallo di Sciacca deserves a separate mention, as it has a very interesting peculiarity.
Its color is altered by the exhalations of underground volcanoes, which result in an orange color with traces of burns. The red coral of the Pacific Ocean, scientific names Corallium Japonicum and Corallium Elatius, presents with more varied shades. Its color varies from light red to dark red, but there are also orange, pink and white varieties. Corallium Elatius, commonly known as “Corallo Cerasuolo”, from the Neapolitan word cerasa for “cherry”, is the precious coral with the widest range of colors.
To understand the origin of the red coral it is necessary to verify the presence or absence of a white spot on the surface of the coral. In the case of a necklace, the stain is often found near the hole, while for the engravings or cabochones it should be sought in the underlying part. The white element is present only in the Pacific Coral. Usually the white vein is found in the central part of the branch exoskeleton and runs from the base to the tip of the branch, making it impossible to eliminate.
 

Coral Pink and White

The pink or white coral is from the Pacific Ocean. This feature therefore makes it very easy to identify a jewel in pink or white coral. Corallium Secundum and Corallium Konojoi belong to this color range. In any case, it is coral of depth. Their color and conformation also make the commercial value differ, as well as facilitate the identification of the place of collection.
 

Coral colors: what about the value?

Frequently some customers ask us which coral color has the most value. It is not easy to answer to this question. There is no absolute scale for the objective definition of value, but for each color range there is a more refined shade, which therefore also acquires greater value from an economic point of view.
Our company is available with a coral evaluation service. The evaluation aims to identify the quality, color, origin and commercial value. To request an evaluation, simply fill out the contact form below. You will receive a reply in less than 24 hours.