CORAL


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although the picture at the top shows structure well, the colour is more like in this picture - only redder and in focus! (I won't tell you that my son actually believed that this was antlers from a small deer!!! :))

Coral is made up of the skeletal remains of marine animals called coral polyps. These tiny creatures live in colonies which form branching structures as they grow, eventually forming coral reefs and atolls. The surface of these coral "branches" has a distinctive patterning made by the original skeleton - either striped or like wood grain. Most corals - red, pink, white, and blue varieties - are made of calcium carbonate; black and golden corals are made of a horn-like substance called conchiolin. Red coral is the most valuable, and has been used in jewellery for thousands of years.

Hardness: 3

AGATISED CORAL

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Agatized coral occurs when silica in the ocean water hardens, replacing the limy corals with a form of quartz mineral known as chalcedony. This long fossilization process (20–30 million years) results in the formation of a "pseudomorph," meaning that one mineral has replaced another without having lost its original form.

Promotes a sense of well-being. When worn to be plainly visible it is a protective amulet. Affects inner changes, dispels foolishness, nervousness, fear, depression, murderous thoughts, panic and nightmares. Confers reason, prudence, courage and wisdom upon its bearer. Placed beneath the pillow it produces peaceful sleep by driving away disturbing dreams.

From the Aberdeen Bestiary Project

Coral grows like a tree in the sea, at which time it is green; afterwards, however, it hardens and takes on a reddish colour. It resembles the branch of a tree. Its virtue is that it drives away lightning and storms, wherever it is; and if it is scattered around a vineyard or olive-grove, or on a field or on seeded ground, it protects it from hail and storms and it increases its yield. It banishes apparitions and brings a good outcome to legal business.