Physical and chemical characteristics
Ever wonder if a gemstone can increase your courage? Red Coral is the answer. We know of bones, teeth, toothpaste or lime water as common things which contain calcium carbonate. They are usually white in colour. But you would be surprised to know that calcium carbonate can also be the basic material for a gemstone called red coral gemstone, which is red in colour.
It is nowhere close to diamonds or many other gemstones in terms of hardness. It scores a maximum of 4 on Moh’s scale, in comparison to diamond which scores 10. The stone is also opaque (or at best semi-translucent) as opposed to the usually transparent (or at worst translucent) looks of most gemstones.
Background and Origins
Being composed mainly of calcium carbonate, coral stone is usually formed by marine organisms under the sea. We see them in coral polyps which cluster together in colonies called coral reefs. We find the earliest references to Red coral during the time of the Mesopotamian civilization. But the origin of the word coral is Greek. It is derived from the Greek word Georgia and has a quaint story attached to its origins.
A sea monster Medusa wished to kill the daughter (named Andromeda) of an Ethiopian king. The Greek hero Perseus killed Medusa by beheading her. Perseus placed the severed head on a riverbank. The blood from the head seeped on to the seaweed there and turned it reddish in colour. Today, the biggest single occurrence of red coral is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Historical Beliefs
Historically, different civilizations have given a lot of importance to red coral. Among the Greeks, Poseidon actually lived in a castle made entirely of coral gemstones. Another Greek God Hephaestus started his first work as a craftsman using red coral.
Romans considered it to be an antidote to snake bites and scorpion stings. They used to tie a necklace made of red coral around the necks of their children to ensure good health. A similar view was held by the English in Victorian times. The Italians have used the red coral stone to ward off jealous eyes.
The Color of Fear
Fear is an inherent nature of all humans but manifests itself in different ways in different people. Some of us are scared of making a poor impression on others and being judged for their actions, words or even appearance.
There are others who do not worry so much about what other’s think, but are more worried about losing what they have. This could be material things like money, house or car. It could also be the fear of losing someone close to them.
Red coral gemstone. There are people who are very scared of falling ill or getting injured, so they take obsessive care of their health and are very careful while doing any physical activities. A little bit of nervousness or fear is good because it makes us adequately cautious. But if we let a particular fear overwhelm our rational thinking, then it is likely that we might miss out on some great opportunities in life.
Red Coral Gemstone: Cure of Fear
Red Coral Gemstone: A lot of people buy coral stone because it is a stone associated with courage. On the other hand, the red colour is also associated with the planet Mars, and this planet has always been considered the commander of the army of the Gods.
When you adorn a red colour, it brings you the dynamism and fearlessness of the planet Mars. You are able to overcome all the fears that inhibit you from taking steps towards success and prosperity.
Physically speaking, the red coral has a positive influence on the body’s circulatory system, which in turn clears the mind and removes all doubts, fears and apprehensions. This can permit the wearer to move ahead without inhibitions, and claim his destiny.
Before You Wear a Red Coral
If you have already decided to buy red coral, then there are a few things to be kept in mind. The best option is a stone of 5 to 9 carats. It should be embedded in a golden ring or a ring made of copper. It is to be worn on the middle finger of the right hand on any Tuesday of Shukla paksha.
You should purify the ring by dipping it in milk, honey and gangajal for up to 20 minutes. Once you have adorned the ring, you will begin to feel the positive effects within the next 9 to 10 days. Once you have worn the ring, you need to keep it for not more than 3 years, because after that it begins to lose its effect.
