There is a miracle in the world created by nature itself - red coral. It “lives” in tropical seas and belongs to the coral polyps. They harden to form twigs, and once the polyps are removed from the water, they become a valuable mineral. Coral is not only beautiful, but also has a lot of positive properties.
Red coral
History and origin
Coral polyps are the oldest formations of the ocean depths, growing over thousands of years. They were known and used by ancient cultures. The mineral was especially valued in Ancient Greece, India and large Indian civilizations.
The significance of the coral stone and mystical powers were equated with its antiquity; the mineral was considered a symbol of wisdom and longevity, a kind of source of life and a talisman.
According to ancient Greek legend, these growths were formed from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when her defeated head was carried over the ocean. That’s why the reefs are so similar to the hairstyle of a mythical heroine who turns everything in her path into stone.
The mineral was used to decorate altars and paraphernalia of rulers, and later, in the Middle Ages, they encrusted weapons, books and valuable objects with it. At one time, the value of coral was equal to pearls, and the stones themselves were used together to decorate jewelry.
Since ancient times, healers have discovered the healing and even magical properties of the stone, so it was used to treat and protect high-ranking persons.
In modern times, corals have become the most popular decoration that could be brought from hot countries, so they often became a souvenir that preserves memories of sunny holidays, exciting travels and rainbow experiences that warm the soul all year round.
The uniqueness of these pebbles lies in the fact that they are created by living organisms - coral polyps. These creatures are simple animals that live in warm salty waters and transform sea salt into calcite “houses”.
Coral formations come in all sorts of shapes depending on their species and grow like gardens on the ocean floor. The thickness of one branch can reach 4 cm, but they grow only a few millimeters per year. This is precisely the reason for the high cost of the stone: many species have seriously reduced their numbers and are even protected.
This fragile, beautiful mineral seems to breathe life. It is difficult to counterfeit, and the beneficial properties of coral are incomparable to other minerals.
Myths about the stone
In ancient times, this mineral was very popular and various jewelry was made from it. In addition to red, they also used black, white and blue.
In Tibet, they were used to make rosaries, which were a mandatory item during prayer and meditation.
Several legends about the mineral have come from ancient times. One says that this is the sea tree of the Mother Goddess, who patronized the female race. People believed that it could protect the weaker sex.
Another myth tells that the gem is actually located in the brain of the dragon, and in order to get the jewel, you need to fearlessly fight the monster and defeat it. In this regard, another name appeared - dragonite.
The next legend says that when Perseus defeated the Gorgon Medusa, corals appeared in the ocean from the flow of her blood.
Main deposits
Coral polyps grow into huge branching formations called reefs. There are three types of coral growths found throughout the earth:
- coastal - these are walls and “fields” of coral that cover sheer depressions or the ocean floor near the surface - where the waters get deeper;
- atolls are peculiar islands made of volcanic reefs, like a ring with a lagoon inside;
- Barrier reefs are bouldered coral colonies in mid-waters.
Corals do not like direct sunlight, under them the stones fade and the creatures die. At the same time, polyps need light for development. Therefore, they settle at medium depths in warm, salt-saturated waters.
The main coral deposits on the globe are located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean and Red Seas:
- The most expensive stones are mined in Italy.
- Valuable suppliers are the countries of Middle America and Australia.
- Massive deliveries are made by Japan, Taiwan and the Pacific Islands, where coral mining is considered one of the main types of fishing.
After extraction, the resulting stones are sorted. The precious part of them is sent for sale to collectors and jewelers, and the low-density “catch” is processed into medicinal powder. Thus, all mined stones are considered valuable and are actively used throughout the world.
Dark coral goes well
Dark coral is another rich spicy tone. And soft and bright at the same time. Like a reddish-terracotta color, it reeks of the east, its leisurely pace, stormy colors, and sunset. Dark coral can bring peace and tranquility and... a thirst for adventure. It is suitable for evening dress, swimsuit, leisure wear or business suit. Decoration can be coral, gold, silver, emerald, garnet, diamonds or alexandrite.
This coral shade goes well with pale yellow, magenta, dark red, scarlet, mustard, thrush egg, azure, sky blue, blue-green, Prussian blue, dark gray, silver, gold, white, light gray, brown, black and brown.
Physicochemical characteristics
Coral is fragile and has a porous structure. It is built mainly from calcium salts, the mineral formula is CaCO2. Special shades are obtained due to iron salts and specific algae living in symbiosis with polyps.
During jewelry processing, the stone is polished to achieve a glassy shine. In this case, the formation has low transparency and very rarely a pearlescent sheen (some pink types).
RELEVANT: The magical properties of the Alexandrite stone
Corals are not resistant to high temperatures and the effects of salts and acids. Precious products made from ocean stone require careful handling: they should not be dropped or beaten, transported with care, not exposed to the sun and not washed with fresh water.
Some particularly fragile stones are treated with wax to fill the pores of the stone. However, expensive types can be compared to ivory in strength.
Coral powder has antibacterial properties, but can also cause allergies and individual intolerances when interacting with the skin, so before buying expensive products you need to “make friends” with a small stone. People with seafood allergies should pay special attention to this. Beads and bracelets made of bare stone can pose a danger, but if the mineral is inlaid in gold or silver, the threat is minimal even for allergy sufferers.
Peculiarities
Pale and bright shades have their own characteristics.
Companions to the tone of light coral will be lilac, aquamarine, a delicate shade of azure, gold, and cream shades.
Berry coral goes well with light shades of pink, saffron tones, green (), mint (), dark blue and chocolate, as well as shades of silver.
Application area
For centuries, coral has been used in medicine and religious rituals. Lithotherapists note the homeopathic properties of the mineral, esotericists know the magical properties of coral stone and use it as a talisman, and in addition, it is used in traditional medicine and occasionally in industry.
A healing powder is obtained from porous or soft coral, unsuitable for jewelry, which is used to treat bones for osteoporosis and heal injuries. The raw material saturates the body with pure calcium, has an antimicrobial effect, as well as an absorption effect, due to which the blood is cleansed and toxins are eliminated.
In some cases, coral powder was used as gypsum - as a thickener for building mixtures for special works.
In Japan and some other countries, this remedy is used in dentistry. Also, due to its absorbent properties, the stone is a good indicator of environmental changes. For example, a change in its appearance when worn on the body indicates the state of a person’s health. The stone may become cloudy or cracked if skin discharge indicates illness.
Why him
Pantone Institute experts explained why Living Coral received the honor of becoming the master of the 2021 season. It turns out that the inspiration for this choice was nature with coral reefs of incredible beauty.
Living coral - fashionable color 2019
The Institute of Color is confident that people in the age of frantic technology are in dire need of warmth, live communication, care and natural tranquility. You can find all this in the coral color, which in itself is a true association with comfort and happiness.
The news that coral became the most popular color in 2019 did not come as a revelation to many, because this color appeared in shows from Chanel and other famous designers. They instantly appreciated the richness and versatility of this shade, so join them!
Coral color at the shows of famous designers
Varieties and colors
There are more than 2 thousand species of coral polyps around the world, among which there are about 500 shades. In jewelry, only high-strength stones are used, and sometimes porous and horny types are used to make decor. The least resistant corals are processed into powder to obtain medical raw materials.
Not everyone knows that in nature, in addition to red and white, there are also unusual colors of corals:
- The most expensive is the rare blue or blue Akori. Its structure is heterogeneous, so beads with this stone resemble foamy water or a cloudy sky.
- In Hawaii and Middle America, yellow or “golden” corals are mined - rare stones that attract the eye.
- The black type of Akkabar is listed in the Red Book, although it is not the most expensive. Jewelry made from such a stone is considered in esotericism to have magical powers.
- The most common, but no less valuable, is red coral. The palette ranges from bright orange to crimson specimens. It is these corals that are distinguished by their high strength, healing properties and unique energy.
- There are also pink corals - from peach shades to delicate and even pearlescent tones. Such a stone is considered truly feminine.
- White corals tend to have a brittle texture, so they are rarely used for jewelry. However, white and pink types of coral stone are often passed off as pearls.
The structure of stones can be either homogeneous or mixed. The main color may contain light or brown, brownish veins, as well as pits, cracks, and layers. The denser and smoother the texture, the more expensive the coral. This is due not only to the durability of such a specimen and its aesthetic value, but also to the harmonious energy of such a stone.
The fact is that polyps are living organisms, programmed, like everything in nature, to create slender, beautiful colonies. If there are inaccuracies in the growths, then such a “shell” was created in a less favorable environment. However, the very essence of the wonderful creature and its ability to survive rather speaks of enormous strength in spite of any adversity, so cracks in the coral are not considered a definite disadvantage.
Combination of coral with other shades of the palette
- Coral color combines perfectly with basic colors: black, white, gray.
- Cool shades are the best companions of coral. From the cold palette you can choose dark blue, turquoise (read -).
- Coffee, chocolate, deep brown tones help to present the coral color most successfully.
- The combination of bright, flashy colors in clothing is a fashion trend that has been on the catwalks for many years. For this reason, a combination of coral with yellow, as well as gold and shades of silver would be appropriate.
Magic properties
Already several thousand years ago, shamans and healers attached great importance to the power of corals. This stone is revered as having passed through the ages and is associated with wisdom and good health. Some people believe that coral enhances intuition, while others say that it helps rationally weigh decisions and evaluate circumstances. The magical properties of the coral stone are suitable for prophecies and fortune telling; it is believed that it is a witness to all milestones of history.
RELEVANT: Charoite - an enchanted talisman stone
Coral is worn as a talisman. It is suitable for active people who do not sit still, protects travelers on the road, wards off bad weather and troubles, and allows them to feel at home everywhere.
It is believed that coral protects health and the heart, stimulates the regeneration of the body: just as the coral polyps themselves are capable of budding, a person wearing a colored stone will be able to recover faster from illnesses and injuries.
Coral has dynamic energy, helps drive away the blues, activate various processes in life, speed up the resolution of matters, meet the right people and establish connections with them. It attracts good luck and protects when a person is in the spotlight. Stimulates creative notes, making it easier to accept change.
Light corals develop feminine qualities - tenderness, coquetry, flexibility of movements, help to learn to dance and sing. Bright corals, on the contrary, are good in “male” endeavors, give courage, determination, support high productivity and pronounced libido. In some rituals, porous corals were literally used as an erotic symbol of male power. When weapons were encrusted with corals, believing that they protected in battle.
Coral should be handled with care. Do not wear it constantly, otherwise it will “accelerate” the vital forces over the edge. This can lead to rash decisions, uncertainty, capriciousness, a sense of adventure, arrogance, and a false sense of permissiveness. It can also cause a physical echo: hypertension, arrhythmia, allergies, fever.
Corals are considered a talisman for the home, storing warmth and living energy in it. In addition, it is considered a good physical amulet. If coral, which is worn on the body for a long time, begins to become cloudy, stained or crumble, this indicates either difficult experiences or the presence of illness, since the body changes hormonal levels.
Coral can be worn not only as decoration, but also simply as protection, for example, in your pocket. It is believed that it is capable of drawing in negative experiences. Therefore, the pebbles need to be washed periodically.
Coral color - who will it suit?
At the same time, you should be very careful when choosing clothes and accessories in these tones.
One or the other must be chosen based on the woman’s skin type and hair color. What advantageously emphasizes the beauty of one lady can make another faceless.
Looks especially impressive on people with dark skin. Brunettes are better off choosing shades close to orange, blondes – pink.
Coral stone: who suits it according to their zodiac sign
Since coral is a child of the ocean, it is believed that it is ideal for representatives of the Water element. Also, its bright palette resonates perfectly with Fire signs and enriches the life of Air. The properties of coral stone are suitable for almost everyone according to their zodiac sign, helping and supporting them on the path of life.
- Astrologers say that the stone is best compatible with the signs of Pisces and Cancer, and pink shades are recommended for the summer sign. The stone will be useful against blues and melancholy, give self-confidence and protect against diseases. However, the mentioned signs should be careful and not wear the stone constantly, since its side effect may be the “education” of capriciousness, adventurism and a thirst for adventure, as well as a lack of a sense of proportion.
- For Aries, Taurus and Gemini, the stone will bring color to life, will be an excellent travel companion, and will add spice to life.
- Coral will help Aquarius and Libra in communication.
- It will help Leos, Scorpios and Sagittarius to remain resilient.
Interestingly, coral gravitates towards the masculine side. Pink and white samples are considered feminine, and yellow, orange, red and blue corals carry an eager, determined masculine energy, so girls should wear red coral carefully - only occasionally and clean the stone with water.
However, many sources claim that the soft and living energy of corals is suitable even for children.
Orange-coral and its combination
Orange-coral - complex, soft, caring. It seems to be both warm and seemingly cold. Shiny items embroidered with sequins and beads go perfectly with it. It's festive, but not intrusive. You won’t want to be nervous in orange-coral, because it itself personifies relaxation. If you want to be considered happy and peaceful (when you pretend, you begin to believe, and faith works wonders), then this tone is for you.
What color goes with orange-coral? Just as soft and cozy. Sand, carrot, coral pink-orange, soft sunny, muted raspberry, olive, azure, denim, hyacinth, royal blue, gray, silver, gold, white-beige, beige, brown, dark brown.
Medicinal properties
The valuable properties of coral stone have been established for a long time and are actively used in medicine. First of all, coral is a source of pure calcium, so it is consumed in powder form as a supplement for the treatment of bone diseases and is used in dental surgery.
In addition, the stone is a sorbent, removes toxins from the body, purifies the blood and even quickly stops the effect of poisons from snake bites or dangerous insects.
The stone is said to help with sore throats and frequent colds. Some experts claim that corals help you lose weight.
When used externally in lithotherapy, the mineral helps relieve headaches, improve blood circulation, improve sleep and nervous activity, and eliminate symptoms of depression. There is evidence that women in some countries used coral as a contraceptive, and men as an aphrodisiac.
Light red coral combines
Light Red Coral is an intricate pink shade that is difficult to identify. Ideal for a cold, non-contrasting appearance. If the “summer” color type manages to get it into their wardrobe, then it will be a pearl, among other not bright, wonderful colors. Silver, coral, pearls, moonstone, amethyst, topaz, diamonds or alexandrite will go well with light red coral.
Suitable colors for light red coral: champagne color, soft pink, hot pink, raspberry, burgundy, muted yellow-orange, aquamarine, Prussian blue, dark gray, lilac, gold, silver, white-beige, sand-beige, light gray, brown, dark brown.
Who is not suitable for coral?
According to astrologers, the stone should not be worn by Capricorns and Virgos. Their stable earthly energy comes into conflict with a living stone, which is why it can negatively affect their character.
RELEVANT: The magical properties of chalcedony stone
Also, women should give up blue corals - they are considered a purely masculine stone, and wear red ones as a special decoration:
- for business meetings to increase determination, confidence, acumen;
- for holidays and dates to enhance sexual energy;
- for celebrations where the wearer is the center of attention, such as a birthday party.
It must be taken into account that strong masculine energy presents a personality like a magnet and attracts attention. Frequent contact can bring excessive effects: recklessness, aggressiveness, vanity.
Coral should not be worn by melancholic people; it is ideal for extroverts, active and public people.
Coral clothing is too much!
If you really think so, then this is not a reason to be on the sidelines of fashion trends. Bright clothes of this rich shade can be replaced by things with coral edging or colored splashes in prints. Geometric motifs are still in trend, and with the addition of coral accents they look more fresh and original.
Accessories in the current palette will also help you stay on top of fashion. The most restrained and calm look will be achieved when combined with beige. Composing a beautiful image is always creativity, where there is no room for doubt.
It's fun to add accents with coral beads, a handbag, earrings or a belt. Be sure to try it!
This color will be useful not only in the wardrobe, but also in the cosmetic bag. In 2021, cream blush will be used not only for its intended purpose - the most daring fashionistas will definitely try to apply them as eye shadow. Coral lipstick can be your main weapon in creating a flawless look.
The leader of 2021 according to Pantone - coral color - is ready to challenge the dullness of everyday life and boredom in images. If you want to look truly feminine and glamorous, you know what to buy on your next shopping trip. And for combination ideas, always contact us!
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latest comments
The warm season is conducive to rich colors - in the sunlight they look especially cheerful and attractive. The rich and attractive color of coral is again at the peak of popularity in the coming season - and this is not surprising, because it goes perfectly with tanned skin and bright colors of exotic colors.
Application in jewelry
To give the stone a noble appearance, it is polished and cleaned. Most often, corals are made into beads of smooth round or complex shapes, and also polished as cabochons. It is not customary to cut corals.
The stone is usually mined in small pieces up to 1.5 cm, so larger specimens are more expensive. Delicate work on inlaying valuable items is also highly expensive.
Most often, rosaries are made from corals, especially in India, as well as all kinds of beads, bracelets and earrings. Less often it can be found in combination with noble metals in rich products.
Shades of coral in everyday life
How to combine shades of coral in clothes, match them with a dress or other wardrobe item, or choose shoes, is described in the third article, which you can see by clicking on “read more.”
What coral-colored clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, cosmetics, etc. look like—for inspiration and practical advice, see the following article.
VIEW COMBINATIONS WITH SIMILAR SHADES (click on color)
USEFUL ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC (click on the picture)
Are you ready to get acquainted with the most fashionable color of 2021 - coral? Then meet this juicy, interesting and self-sufficient shade of Living Coral! Very soon all store shelves will be filled with it, and it will rule the top collections. Believe me, a stylish and promising season awaits us with interesting combinations and cool looks!
How to wear and care
Corals are worn on the chest and neck area - where they are visible and where they can have a beneficial effect on the body. You can also choose bracelets and earrings. Coral is not afraid of large sizes - you can safely give preference to multi-layered beads or large brooches.
- Water signs are perfect for flowing jewelry - long and cascading beads.
- Fire signs can pay attention to stones of bizarre irregular shape.
- For air representatives, it is best to sharpen stones in a silver frame and give preference to pink, white and yellow stones.
Coral is washed in purified water without chlorine and chemicals, or, in extreme cases, in a light soap solution using a sponge or fleecy cloth. No additional cleaning methods should be used on delicate stone. In addition, the sensitive mineral must be hidden from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Accessories
What to wear with coral shoes? Add them to your dress - it can be plain (white, beige, cream, blue, black, gray), or printed.
The set will look harmonious if one of the elements of the print or pattern (but not the largest) duplicates the color of the shoes.
Shoes of this shade will become the main accent in the image if you wear them with jeans and a simple white top; in this case, high-heeled shoes and coral ballet flats or sneakers are appropriate. Don't know what to wear with coral shoes in the cool season? Try wearing coral ballet flats or pumps with a pair of jeans and a beige coat or trench coat.
What to wear with a coral bag? This accessory will successfully replace bags in basic beige and light gray colors, but will look more relevant and fresh.
Do you want to “support” your bag with an accessory of a similar shade? You should not wear the same shoes; choose a better scarf, scarf, belt or jewelry of a similar tone.
Don't be afraid of bright colors: rich colors in clothes can not only highlight your beauty, but also lift the mood of both you and the people around you. Be sure to try on a fashionable shade: a dress or blouse, trousers or a skirt, or even coral ballet shoes or a scarf will make your look unforgettable!
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What is the price
The cost of corals depends on the size of the stones, their color and density. In addition, the price of the products will include the processing of minerals and the skillful work of the craftsman. Corals are polished and often coated with special varnishes and wax to preserve the integrity of the pieces.
The average cost of coral is equal to pearls. There are artificial stones that are recreated from coral powder. This product has healing properties and is cheaper. In addition, the mineral is counterfeited by making beads from plastic.
Natural coral cannot be cheap due to the depletion of the natural resource and the ban on mass mining. When buying a sea mineral, pay attention to the fact that the stones are protected from abrasion, for example, there should be knots between the beads.
If you feel that this unique and amazing stone resonates in your heart, buy yourself a piece of jewelry for good luck, and let it be as bright as the energy of the “living” mineral itself.
Coral mining - today, like in the old days
Underwater treasure hunters today use the method of their great-grandfathers. Like many centuries ago, the main mining tool is a wooden cross with a net attached to it. Workers on a boat swim to a place where there is a large accumulation of minerals and lower the device into the water to the very bottom. Having sailed a short distance, the gem miners stretch the cross along the bottom, while the fragile branches easily break off and become entangled in the nets. This method has a significant drawback - the device causes great harm to the underwater fauna. However, nothing new or more harmless has yet been invented.
Compatibility with different zodiac signs
Before purchasing a mineral, astrologers advise finding out whose zodiac sign the stone is suitable for.
- Coral will be ideal as an amulet for Pisces. It is advisable to choose red or brown shades for them.
- You can also safely purchase a talisman for such a zodiac sign as Cancer. The pink color of the amulet is suitable for them.
- Taurus and Aries can also use the crystal, their compatibility allows this. Aries will receive protection from negative influences and dangers, and with its help Taurus will become successful in all endeavors.
- Sagittarius and Libra should definitely purchase jewelry with a crystal, because the energy of coral is very suitable for them.
- With the help of the stone, Gemini will receive protection from dark forces and witchcraft.
- Scorpio and Leo can also purchase jewelry; they will help improve their health and boost their immunity.
Important! For Virgo and Capricorn, coral as an amulet is absolutely contraindicated; they should not come into contact with the mineral at all, even occasionally, otherwise they will put themselves in danger.
Characteristics of color 16-1546 “Living Coral”
Coral color belongs to the red-orange spectrum of the 12-spectrum color wheel. It's a little closer to red than orange, but its golden undertones make it softer, warmer, and more nurturing than just red.
In the modern world, people avoid loneliness and strive for communication, self-expression, friendly support and encouragement. Coral supports them in this, demonstrating openness, optimism and a desire to create and strengthen social connections. Bright and dynamic, it simultaneously expresses carelessness, an easy attitude to life, and playfulness.
Coral combines the benefits of red and orange. It is more firm, purposeful and bold than orange, but less aggressive than red.
A man dressed in coral seems to be an incorrigible optimist, always in the thick of things, striving for flirtation and adventure, but still able to hear the voice of reason. If you need to emphasize your openness to the world, love of life, ability to enjoy little things, positive energy and determination, you should include coral-colored items in your costume ensemble or use appropriate accessories.
