Understanding Stones Part:7 Red Coral


Images in collage taken from Pinterest.com
Stone Name 
Red Coral

Birthstone Month 
N/A

Zodiac Association 
Pisces

Affected Chakra
Root Chakra

History of Use:  Throughout history, coral had been thought to be a plant and has been called the 'garden of the sea'.  Coral is actually the accumulated skeletal remains of marine animals called polyps.  These tiny creatures live in colonies that grow to form branching structures.  Coral has been used in decorative art objects and jewelry dating back thousands of years.  Legends have been interpreted that ancient peoples once believed Mars was composed of red coral due to its striations and color. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus chopped off the head of Medusa, some drops of her blood splashed into the sea and solidified into coral.  Coral is considered by the Hopi and Zuni Indians to be one of the four element stones (the others being jet, abalone and turquoise), a symbol of the Road of Life (a journey through all seven universes created at the Beginning).  Coral has played an important role in the religious rites of many cultures throughout the Pacific Islands.  Often placed on graves to guard the deceased, and temples were often built of lava rocks and coral.

Spiritual Properties: Coral is said to quiet the emotions and bring peace to its wearer.  Worn publicly as an amulet, coral is thought to bring safe travel over water.  Because of coral's organic origin, it can be used to reconnect with nature and assist to unveil its wonders.  Coral symbolizes joy, happiness, blood force energy and enables it wearer to enjoy a natural life.  Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. 

Physical Healing Properties: Red coral will protect against depression, despondency, hiccups and heartburn.  It helps strengthen the circulatory system and bones of the body.  It stimulates tissue regeneration, nourishes the blood cells, and aids in the release of impurities from the muscular system.

My experience:  Often called "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.  Coral is a precious resource and is home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, sponges, mollusks, crustaceans, etc.  However, coral reefs are fragile and are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, overuse of reef resources, and harmful land-use practices, including urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution which can harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth.  It is imperative to save this precious resource and only reuse what has already been taken instead of encouraging coral farming.

Up Next: Hematite



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