Red Coral
| Colour | Red, Pink |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3–4 |
| Lustre | Dull, waxy when polished |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Trigonal (calcite) |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Chemical formula | CaCO₃ + organic |
| Specific gravity | 2.6–2.7 |
What is Red Coral?
Precious coral, or red coral, is the common name given to a genus of marine corals, Corallium. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink-orange skeleton, which is used for making jewelry.
How to identify Red Coral
- Lustre: Dull, waxy when polished.
- Hardness: Mohs 3–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Trigonal (calcite) crystal system.
Red Coral in different forms
Stones often confused with Red Coral
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Red Coral?
Red Coral is Mohs 3–4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Red Coral?
Red Coral is typically red, pink.