Moonga or the Coral Gemstone is an exquisite, blood-red gemstone which is majorly valued for its metaphysical and healing properties. However, for the buyer, sometimes it creates confusion due to the cost and also how to obtain this beautiful piece. Here, in this detailed guide, we will try to illuminate further those aspects that affect the cost of the coral gemstone along with other valuable tips on how and where to buy one.
Table of Content:
- Understanding Coral Gemstone (Moonga)
- Types of Coral Gemstones:
- Benefits of Coral Gemstone
- Determinants of Price of Coral Gemstone
- Which One to Choose?
- How to Buy a Coral Gemstone?
- Best Places to buy Coral Gemstone
- Conclusion
Understanding Coral Gemstone (Moonga)
What is Coral Gemstone?
Corals are marine organisms coming out from the sea. They fall under the class Anthozoa, and the order Scleractinia. These organisms live in colonies in shallow, warm waters of the oceans, especially in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
How is Coral Gemstone Formed?
- Marine Life: Corals are marine invertebrates that come as colonies of very small, polyp-like creatures. Each polyp secretes lime, which creates a hard skeleton supporting the colony.
- Growth Process: The skeletons of corals accumulate and pile in layers over thousands of years. The skeletons can also join up to create a large branching structure called a “coral reef” or in the case of some coral species, small rounded forms. These corals can grow thousands of years accumulating in gigantic underwater colonies.
3.Harvesting: The coral gemstone is extracted from these underwater colonies once the corals die off. The skeletons of some species of corals are solid enough to be fashioned as gemstones. In the main, only healthy, deeper reefs corals are harvested, and their sustainability is increasingly becoming a cause for concern in conservation efforts.
Types of Coral Gemstones:
- Red Coral (Moonga): This is the most commonly used type of coral gemstone in jewelry as well as astrology. It is mainly in deep red and bright coral color. In Vedic astrology, it represents the planet Mars; hence, accordingly, it is also believed to imbue the wearer with strength, courage and vitality.
- White Coral: Not as common, though regarded to be good in soothing some energy in certain cultures, white coral is said to balance one’s life if one wears it.
- Black Coral: Probably one of the rare corals available, black coral is mostly viewed to protect the wearer. Its energies are sometimes supposed to ward off negative energies.
- Pink Coral: Pink coral is less in intensity as compared to red coral but softer so may be manufactured into necklaces or other delicate jewelry. Pink coral is also used to depict love and emotional healing.
Benefits of Coral Gemstone:
- It gives the wearer courage and protects him from harm.
- Red coral jewellery is believed to help improve blood flow and enhance energy in the body.
- Coral is said to calm the mind to reduce stress and tension.
Determinants of Price of Coral Gemstone
Natural vs. Artificial Coral
Characteristics of Natural Coral:
- Origin: Natural coral is extracted from marine coral reefs which exist in oceans mostly in specific regions like the Mediterranean Sea, Japan, and portions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- Formation Process: It is a slow process; it takes thousands of years for accumulation in the form of coral skeletons. Every piece of natural coral looks different in its color, texture, and structure.
- Color: Natural coral ranges from the deepest red or black to pure white, and colors vary greatly. Deep red or pink is the most popular coral.
Characteristics of Synthetic Coral:
- Origin: Synthetic coral is produced in the lab or at factories and is not collected from natural reefs. It may be made of resins, plastics, or other organic materials that simulate the look of coral.
- Formation Process: Synthetic coral forms much more quickly than natural coral. It can be done in a couple of days or even a week or two, depending on the process.
- Color: Synthetic coral can also be made in various colors, similar to a natural coral. Because it is man-made, the color can easily be uniform throughout all the pieces. The colors are generally brighter or more uniform than the natural one since the synthetic process allows perfect pigmentation.
- Durable and Maintenance: Synthetic coral is relatively tougher than the natural coral because it’s made of resins or plastics, less sensitive to heat, chemicals, or physical damages. It is also less porous than the natural coral, so it is easier to maintain.
- Price and Availability: Synthetic coral is always much cheaper than natural coral. Since it is mass-produced, it is available in almost any form and design. Therefore, this is perfect for budget buyers.
Which One to Choose?
- Natural Coral: If you want a truly authentic piece of jewelry or gemstone with a rich history and value, then go for the natural coral. Just be aware of their unsustainable and unethical sources.
- Artificial Coral: This one is more economical, long-lasting, and safe for the environment without any actual harvesting effect of the natural corals. It is also a lovely fashion jewelry imitating the appearance of a natural coral but without the price.
How to Buy a Coral Gemstone?
- Determine the Purpose: Is the coral for use in jewelry, astrological functions, or simply for collection?
- Quality level: What color or grade are you looking for? While red is desired, pink, white, or black-colored coral are all sought after.
- Size and shape: Choose the size of the coral gemstone that would meet your requirements with the shape that would best fit your intended use.
- Color and surface: The color of the coral should be deep rich and even, without any defect in the surface, smooth to touch.
- Get Certification: If needed, ask for certificates to establish authenticity and purity.
- Budget Set It: Corals can be cheap or expensive, and you should decide on your budget first.
- Buy from a Certified Seller: From a certified gemstone vendor or a good jeweller, buy it.
Best Places to buy Coral Gemstone
- Specialized Gem Dealers
Some of the best places to buy coral are gemstone boutiques or dealers specializing in organic gemstones, such as coral. Many of these dealers have extensive knowledge of the gemstones they sell and are able to offer certifications in place to confirm quality and origin.
Reputed Dealers: Reputed dealers that have the reputation for selling natural coral and possess clear origin and certifications.
Online Listings: Some respectable online dealers selling gemstones also sell coral, and they usually give certificates with their stones.
- Certified Jewelry Stores
- Luxurious jewelry stores that specialize in precious and semi-precious gemstones usually have a good stock of coral gemstones. When purchasing coral for jewelry, opt for a store that offers certified and verified gemstones.
Seek out vintage or artisanal coral jewelry stores, as they would normally carry a very curated collection of high-quality coral.
Most authentic stores will also come with certificates of authenticity and information pertaining to the origin of the coral itself, which is hugely important for astrological pieces.
- Online Platforms
- Because of this and a growing search for coral gemstones, the e-commerce websites have become the new popular destinations where one can buy coral gemstones. Today, one can find multiple websites selling certified gemstones, along with information about the origin and treatment of the stone.
Conclusion
There are many quality, origin, and type-based prices found in the coral gemstone market. This is what makes buying coral a unique type of investment: either for spiritual purposes, jewelry, or aesthetic appeal. Information given within this guide will help buyers find the genuine quality coral stone that meets their needs and preferences. Confirmation on proper certifications, reputable sellers, and quality factors should be done on these purchases before making one.