KNOW THE GAMS

The hardness of true coral is about 33/a on the Mohs scale. It may be polished in natural sprigs or twigs, but is tough enough to be carved into beads, cabochons, and cameos.

In ancient Rome and much later, red coral was associated with health. The coral was supposed to lighten in color and become pale if the wearer were ill or even exposed to illness-or were give poison. The coral would then darken as the wearer recovered. It same attribute was associated with a woman's menstrual period; which the coral was supposed to "share" with women. Coral v` also associated with stopping the flow of blood from a wound, curing madness, imparting wisdom, and calming storms. The magic held good only if the coral were in its natural shape and not carved. Once broken, the coral lost its powers.

Good coral can be expensive. Again, price may be an indicator - whether the coral is genuine or a substitute.
Coral Substitutes. Gypsum, a soft mineral readily scratched by a fingernail, is sometimes sold as coral. Plastic, wood, and wax are weight substitutes.

Black Coral. Black or king's coral is not true coral. Rather, it is skeleton of another kind of poly (Antipathes spiralis), not a calcified accretion. It is much lighter in weight and is found in far Fewer e places. One of those places is parts of the Caribbean. Because of over harvesting, it has been placed on the endangered species list, much means you should inquire about an import certificate before buying it.

CORDIERITE

Cordierite or iolite is an inexpensive gem, from 7 to 7'/2 on the Mohs scale with no definite cleavage, making it fairly durable. Although it comes in several colors, the only one you are apt to see is blue, which is sometimes called "water sapphire."