Coral
red, salmon, pink, "Corne de Corail".

Ancient mythical origins

Coral has a long and rich history of symbolic virtues. The first traces of its use can be found in Iron Age tombs.

For the ancient Greeks, born of the blood of the Gorgon Medusa beheaded by Perseus, it is both a protector and a transformer.

The Romans used it as an amulet to protect against the evil eye and disease - it was traditionally given to babies as a protective amulet.

Among Amerindians, it represented vital energy; in Asia, it was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In India, coral is one of the nine precious stones (Navaratna) associated with the planets in Vedic astrology.

Lithotherapy properties

It has many virtues! But first and foremost, it is a precious ally in times of tension or conflict. Favoring understanding, it helps to avoid reacting systematically to disagreement.
It's a conciliator who channels energies towards creative solutions.

On a personal level, it protects against negative influences and helps overcome depression, post-traumatic stress, and laziness if it's a sign of inner conflict.

Coral is both a peacemaker and a stimulant:
Red Coral is known for stimulating vital energy and libido, and encouraging the birth of a child.
Pink Coral is highly appreciated for promoting fertility and alleviating premenstrual syndromes.
White Coral brings calm. It is well suited to a child's bedroom or a resting place, where it contributes to a peaceful atmosphere.

On a physical level, in lithotherapy, coral is beneficial for blood circulation, the digestive system and, thanks to its high calcium content, for teeth, bone structure and sometimes recommended to women to prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to relieve cramps and tone up fatigue.

Which crystals amplify the virtues of coral in lithotherapy?

• Amethyst strengthens its protection
• combined with Rose Quartz, it promotes emotional balance
• combined with Turquoise, enhances its soothing properties.

Coral mineralogy

Coral is an organic substance. It consists mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), with traces of magnesia and organic substances.

The different colors of coral are due to pigments in the tissue and environmental conditions:

The red hue is due to the presence of carotenoids, organic pigments that produce colors ranging from yellow to red. Red coral is used in jewelry for its attractive color and durability.

The salmon color is also due to the presence of carotenoid pigments, but in lower concentration than in red coral.

Pink coral owes its color to the presence of pink pigments in the zooxanthellae algae living in symbiosis with the coral.

Its hardness is between 3 and 4 on the Mohs scale: coral is relatively soft and must be handled with care to avoid damage.