Red Coral Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Red Coral Gemstone Facts and History
The Red Coral Gemstone is one of the few gems made of organic matter. Originally thought to be a plant, corals are made of the skeleton of small marine animals called coral polyps.
Countless coral polyps form branching coral reefs and harden when they die. Red Coral Gemstones, specifically, are materials from the skeleton of the coral species corallium rebrum.
Red Coral Gemstones are typically red but have color variations ranging from pink to orange. When first extracted from the ocean, corals are naturally matte in appearance which artisans polish to a shine.
Corals grow in warm ocean waters all around the world. Evidence shows that Red Coral Gemstones have been used and are highly valued by many cultures since before recorded history.
Jewelry made of Red Coral Gemstones was found in many ancient European burial sites and Egyptian tombs. These ocean gemstones were highly valuable trading materials between coastal settlements and inland communities.
The ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented coral trade routes between the Mediterranean and India as early as 1 AD. But the earliest known written record of Coral Gemstones dates back to 314 BC which can be found in the Greek scholar Theoprastus written treaties, “On Stone”.
Even before that, the Gauls were said to use Red Coral Gemstones as ornamentations on their weapons and helmets.
Red Coral Gemstones were highly prized stones worldwide spanning millennia, cultures, and religions.
Throughout the time of the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and Victorian times, Red Coral Gemstone jewelry was highly popular with the belief that it brings protection from ill luck and evil.
Red Coral Gemstones have a Mohs hardness rating of 3.5 to 4, making them easy to damage for jewelry work which prompted artisans to mainly shape them into cochobons and beads.
Red Coral Gemstones can be found in any warm ocean waters but the most valuable Red Corals are found in the Mediterranean.
Today, Red Coral Gemstones may be even more valuable because of depleted supplies, rarity, and protected status for their important role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
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Red Coral Gemstone Uses
Red Coral Gemstones are popular jewelry materials, particularly for traditional designs. Because of its low Mohs hardness rating, Red Coral Gemstones are typically shaped into beads or pendants.
Throughout millennia, Red Coral Gemstones were used as talismans to protect the wearer where many cultures believing the gem to be a stone of protection.
The red stone’s striking color makes it a popular ornamental stone for hardware, furniture, and other decorative objects.
Many artisans also work with Red Coral Gemstones to carve sculptures and other works of art.
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Red Coral Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
The Red Coral Gemstone has been regarded as a stone of protection since prehistoric times. Many cultures believe it can ward off evil spirits, negativity, and danger. They were once worn as talismans as protection against dark magic.
The red stone also represents healing, often believed to reduce negative emotions like depression, fear, stress, panic, and nightmares.
It also brings emotional balance and enhances the mood of the owner, especially during the important points in life.
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Red Coral Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Black Coral Gemstones are formed from the skeletal remains of conchiolin corals. It represents the power of insight, intuition, and the ability to connect to the spiritual realm.
Pink Coral Gemstones are more commonly sourced from the waters of Japan. They symbolize love, compassion, and emotional healing.
White Coral Gemstones are typically sourced from the Pacific Ocean. These gemstones are believed to promote sexuality and creativity.
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Red Coral Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Ancient Egyptians put Red Coral Gemstones in high regard, believing the gem to hold divine blood and protect them from evil spirits as they journey through the underworld. This is why coral pieces were found in many ancient Egyptian tombs.
Likewise, the ancient Romans believed that Red Coral Gemstones have the power to protect children from danger so they often have their children wear coral necklaces.
They also believed that Red Coral Gems could diagnose illnesses, as well as cure snake bites and scorpion stings. Roman women also highly covet necklaces of Red Coral Gemstones with the belief that they can enhance fertility and provide protection from the evil eye.
The Gauls used Red Coral Gemstones as ornamentation on their helmets and weapons because the stones symbolize protection.
In Islamic religious texts, Red Coral Gemstones are one of the gems in paradise. It is also one of the Navaratna stones in Hindu belief, associated with the planet Mars.
The Yoruba and Bini people of West Africa use beaded necklaces, bracelets, and anklets made out of Red Coral Gemstones to represent their high social ranking in their community.
Beaded Red Coral necklaces are part of the traditional costume for women in many fishing communities in the Netherlands.
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Red Coral Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Carnelian gemstones and Red Coral Gemstones are both stones of healing. When paired, they can significantly increase the healing process.
Aquamarine gemstones and Red Coral Gemstones are both stones of the sea. Their combination promotes forgiveness and compassion.
Aventurine gemstones when paired with Red Coral Gemstones increase luck, success, and the manifestation of dreams.
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Red Coral Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Red Coral Gemstone is the traditional birthstone for the month of April. In astrology, the Red Coral Gemstones are associated with the zodiac sign Aries.
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Red Coral Gemstone in Dreams
Dreaming of Red Coral Gemstone indicates a joyous occasion is about to happen in your life. This can mean that challenges will be overcome but this can also mean some emotional challenges will occur.
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Red Coral Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
According to superstition, placing a Red Coral in the home or wearing a Red Coral necklace will protect children from danger.
Sailors also held the superstitious belief that bringing a Red Coral on board or having it fastened around the ship’s mast would protect the ship from danger at sea.
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Red Coral Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
In Greek mythology, Red Coral was formed out of the blood dripping from the severed head of the gorgon, Medusa. As the Greek hero, Perseus, washed his hands on the sea bank after he slayed the sea monster, he put the severed head of Medusa by the water and found her dripping blood had transformed the seaweed in the water into corals.
The Greek god of the sea, Poseidon’s underwater palace is made out of corals and gemstones.
