Flaws of Red Coral Gemstone

What is Red Coral?

Red Coral, commonly known in Hindi as Moonga, is an organic gemstone originating from marine life. Colorful deep red undertones give it its treasured place in gemstones, especially in Vedic astrology, being the gem of planet Mars. Red Coral has seen a rise in popularity through its mystical benefits, but like all others, it is filled with defects and flaws.

Table of Content:

1. Common Flaws in Red Coral Gemstone
2. Structural Flaws in Red Coral
3. Treatment-Related Flaws of Red Coral
4. How to Determine Treated Red Coral
5. How to Avoid Buying Flawed Red Coral Gemstones
6. Final Thoughts on Flaws in Red Coral Gemstone
7. Conclusion

 

Why Would You Want to Know its Flaws?

You would want to know its flaws before purchasing or wearing a Red Coral gemstone. Knowing these will ensure you purchase a quality stone that will give you the required benefits.

 

Common Flaws in Red Coral Gemstone

Natural vs. Synthetic Flaws

Natural Flaws in Red Coral

Red Coral is a natural gemstone. As an organic coral, it might have natural inclusions, which include:

• Surface Inclusions: Inclusions or pits are typical on the surface of the stone because it is organic.
• Color zoning: Slight variations in color would be expected, with areas appearing more pale and others appearing darker.
• Internal Cracks: Some thin cracks or fissures may be present within the stone, which is pretty common due to its organic nature.

Artificial Imperfections in Red Coral

With the rise of artificial Red Coral, some imperfections occur only in the artificial varieties:

• Flawless Surface: Compared with natural coral, man-made corals may possess an extremely flawless surface.
•  Unnaturally Colored: Artificial coral may bear unnaturally bright or too monotonously colored hues.
•  Bubble Inclusions: Artificial Red Coral may carry small bubbles when viewed under a magnifying glass, which is a clear indication of artificial origin.

 

Physical Flaws in Red Coral Stone

Blemishes on Surface

Surface Imperfections Surface blemishes are the most common defects that can affect the beauty of the stone:

• Scratches: Red Coral is relatively soft with a Mohs hardness rating of 3.5 which makes it prone to scratches.
• Pits and Cavities: It may carry small pits that are residuals of its original structure from when it was still coral.
• Dull Polish: Some stones are probably going to have a dull polish that impacts the gleam of the gemstone

Color Flaws

Color is one of the major determinants for the price of Red Coral:

• Color Fading: Some Red Corals are said to fade away if they are exposed to direct sunlight.
• Uneven Color: Inhomogeneous color layout makes a gem less attractive.
• Dark Spots: Dark or black spots on the Red Coral denote that the gem is not of good quality.

 

Structural Flaws in Red Coral

Inclusions Present in Red Coral

Inclusions : These are internal characteristics that would affect the value of Red Coral:

• Organic Matter : As it is organic in nature, it may contain fragments of sea animals
•  Veining : There will be veins which could be more or less objectionable based on their appearance
•  Chalky Texture : A lower-grade stones will be chalky which is indicative of a fragile stone.

Inclusions and Quality of Red Coral

• Beauty: Too many inclusions devalue the stone’s looks.

•  Durability: Internal inclusions, such as cracks, render the stone weak.

•  Value: The clearer the stone, the fewer inclusions present, the more expensive.

 

Shape and Cutting Flaws

Irregular Shapes

Red Coral is in many irregular shapes and can be damaged by poor cutting

• Asymmetrical Shapes: Since Red Coral is a natural gem, it should not have perfect symmetry and irregular shapes are said to lessen the value.
• Cutting Losses: It is supposed to undergo massive weight loss due to bad cuts, which makes the gem less precious.
• Non-Uniform Cabochon Shape: Red Coral is cut in cabochons; uneven or irregular surfaces can lessen its appeal.

Effect of Cutting Flaws on Price and Quality

• Poor Cut: Poor cuts may cause the stone not to shine well, which affects the general brightness of the same.
•     Susceptibility to Damage: Poor cuts may make the stone vulnerable to more chances of getting damaged or broken.
•     Resale Value: Well-cut stones typically attract better resale values; poor cuts tend to lose value.

 

Treatment-Related Flaws of Red Coral

Common Treatments to Enhance Red Coral

Treatments can be utilized by gem dealers to give Red Coral an enhanced appearance. Such treatments, though, may cause flaws in the stone:

• Color Enhancement: Dyeing is one method, which fades over time.
• Waxing and Oil Treatment: Waxing is very common in giving a more lustrous appearance to Red Coral but coats up minute surface imperfections temporarily.
• Heat Treatment: Rare, and it may leave effects on the original properties of Red Coral.

Impact of such treatments on the integrity of Red Coral

• Lifespan: Treatment stones may be less strong.
• Artificial Shine: Wax and oil treatments may render an unnatural shine.
• Colour Stability: Dyeing may cause color instability in that color fades away in course of time.

 

How to Determine Treated Red Coral

Visual Signs of Treatment

• Too Bright and Even Color: An extremely bright or consistent color could mean that the stone has been colored.

• Too Shiny: An overly shiny surface may mean that the stone has waxed.

• Color Bleed: When a piece of stone is wiped with a cloth, it leaves color stains behind, which means that the stone has been colored.

Laboratory Certification Red Coral: A Way of Identifying Treatment

Importance of Certification: A certified laboratory can easily classify whether the Red Coral has been treated or not.

 

How to Avoid Buying Flawed Red Coral Gemstones

How to Select the Right Seller

The Best Source Must Be Reliable

• Natural: Trustworthy dealers sell less treated or synthetic stones.
• Quality warranty: A good jeweler will disclose any flaws and treatments.

Questions to ask a seller

• Is the stone natural or treated?

• What flaws are naked-eye visible?

• Will the stone have a certificate of authenticity?

 

How to examine Red Coral Gemstone

 Visual examination tools

• Magnifying Loupe: A 10x loupe will reveal surface inclusions and flaws.

• Natural vs. Synthetic: Check the distinct veins of natural Red Coral under a flashlight.

• Inclusions Check: Analyze if there are dark spots or any unnatural patterns within it.

Visiting a Professional Gemologist

• Professional Insight: A gemologist may use advanced tools to examine flaws
• Authenticity Check: They can determine whether the stone is authentic or synthetic
• Flaw Analysis: The professional shall grade the stone based on its flaws.

 

Final Thoughts on Flaws in Red Coral Gemstone

Why Knowing Faults is Useful for the Buyer

Red Coral gemstones are stunning; they are rather far from faultless, however. But knowing about the nature of faults will help a buyer to decide since it will guarantee that he will not settle on anything but what he expects in quality and looks.

The Art of Imperfection and Worth

Not all flaws of Red Coral are totally destructive. On the other hand, some natural imperfections may make the piece unique, whilst too big imperfections might deteriorate its value. The trick here is to strike the right balance between finding a quality Red Coral stone.

 

Conclusion

The Red Coral is an extremely vibrant and meaningful gemstone for many; however, its natural pitfalls have to be placed before the eyes of the buyer. But a thorough knowledge regarding its inclusions is going to help you in acquiring a fine quality piece. Always choose a certified gem and seek professional advice if you have an inkling or doubt about the genuinity or quality of the stone.