# Coral > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Precious Coral. Red Coral. Black Coral. Antipathes. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | White, red, orange, pink, gray, black | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Healing<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Amorphous | > | **Formations** | Formed by living organisms | > | **Formula** | —— | > | **Hardness** | 3.0–4.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Organic material | > | **Primary Components** | calcium carbonate | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description An organic gemstone made from skeletons of marine polyps. One of the most protective stones, it keeps environmental dangers at bay, neutralizes venoms, and breaks spells. ### Physical Description A gemstone made from polished skeletons of marine invertebrate animals. Colonies of polyps create branch-like hard skeletons made of calcium carbonate and colored by pigments. While alive, skeletons are covered in skin-like tissue and multiple genetically identical polyps with mouths surrounded by tentacles. The most popular species used as gemstones are red, pink-orange, blue, black, or white. --- ## Occurrence Corals grow in tropical to subtropical waters, sometimes creating impressive coral reefs with a vital environmental function. Most valued red coral (Corallium rubrum) does not create reefs, but grows on rocky sea bottom, in the darkness: at great depth, in caverns or crevices. Other species prefer lighter conditions, but they are all under the threat of bleaching caused by toxins or raising water temperatures. ### Extraction & Preparation Harvesting coral is a destructive practice that endangers the ecosystems of marine life. Reefs are usually broken apart with explosives, with no regard for wildlife. Red coral is extracted by dredging the seabed or picked by hand by divers. In most regions, harvesting is either illegal or strictly regulated. The price of natural coral has increased manyfold, and the voices calling for the end of harvesting are getting louder each year. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Coral has been widely used as a gemstone in jewelry, mostly as beads, and to create ornamental finishes to personal items like pipes, hairbrushes, cutlery, and small boxes. ### Industrial Properties Ancient coral limestone and modern reefs are used as building material or road fill. The reefs are also a method of shoreline protection and a breeding ground for fish and other animals. ### Magical Properties Coral is a strong protective gemstone. It keeps its owner safe from environmental dangers, such as thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, storms, hail, and conflagration. Employed in this manner, it protects also boats, houses, and fields. It banishes spirits and demonic shades, drives away nocturnal monsters, sends mice fleeing, and secures a good night's rest. Carved with an image of a rat, dog, or a gorgon, coral protects from the wrath of one's teachers. The main trunk, carved into an amulet, halts violent feelings and rages, clears blood, and restores emotional balanced. Powdered and sprinkled over a wound, it causes it to scar and protects from infection. It makes scorpions unlikely to attack and neutralizes their venom, protects a warrior from enemies in battle, and spares one from grief. Antipathes, a black, opaque gem harvested from the Antipathes genus of coral, counteracts enchantments, charms, and fascinations. It breaks spells of mental manipulation of any kind, including love charms and loyalty bonds. ### Medicinal Properties Coral is used for bone grafting in surgery and internally in cases of calcium deficiency. Several compounds found in coral might prove efficient in treating various cancers and viral infections.