Red corals: how do you tell if they’re real?

Introduction

Red Coral has fascinated people for ages. Its vibrant color and shine make it a special gem from the ocean, deeply woven into history and culture. Many believe it has magical properties that benefit the wearer. This popularity increases its value, but because it’s not always easy to find, fakes often appear in the market. Thankfully, there are ways to tell if a Red Coral gem is real or a fake.

Fake Red Coral

Red Coral is made from organic materials like calcium carbonate and proteins from marine coral reefs. Because of its simple structure, creating fake versions is relatively easy. Common fakes are made from materials like plastic, glass, porcelain, or even clay. While cheap fakes are easy to spot, higher-quality imitations can be more challenging. This guide will help you identify genuine Red Coral using reliable methods.

Myths About Testing Red Coral

Before we dive into real tests, let’s look at a couple of myths about how to tell if Red Coral is real.

1. Milk Test: Some say that if you dip Red Coral in milk, it will color the milk pink. This is not true. The red color in real coral comes from substances that don’t dissolve in milk.
2. Turmeric Test: Another myth is that rubbing turmeric on Red Coral will show stains if it’s fake. However, both real and fake corals can react unpredictably to turmeric, making this test unreliable and potentially damaging.

How to Identify Real Coral Stones

Here are some practical methods to check if your Red Coral is genuine. However, keep in mind that some of these tests could damage the coral.

1. Visual Inspection: Real Red Corals have a matte finish and some natural imperfections. If it looks too perfect, it might be fake.
2. Touch Test: Real corals feel slightly rough, while fake ones tend to be smooth. You can run your finger over the surface to check the texture.
3. Weight Test: Real Red Corals are denser than many fakes. If you have a similar-sized piece of a known fake, compare their weights.
4. Hot Needle Test: Caution! This test can damage the coral. If you touch a heated needle to the coral, real Red Coral will burn slightly, while plastic will melt.
5. Acid Test: Again, caution is needed. Apply a drop of vinegar to an inconspicuous area. Real Red Coral will fizz slightly, while fakes won’t react.
6. Scratch Test: Try scratching the coral on an unglazed ceramic tile. Real Red Coral will leave a red streak, while fake ones will not.
7. Magnification: Use a magnifying glass to check for natural imperfections. Real corals will show irregularities not found in fakes.

The Best Way to Identify Genuine Red Coral

While home tests can be useful, they’re not always accurate and may damage your coral. The best way to ensure authenticity is to consult a professional gemologist. They have specialized tools and methods to accurately test your coral.

Conclusion

Although many traditional tests exist for checking Red Coral, the safest and most reliable method is to seek professional help. Most home tests require experience and can lead to inaccurate results or damage to valuable pieces. Always consider buying from trusted dealers or professionals to avoid fakes.

FAQs

1. How can I test my Red Coral at home?

You can try some traditional tests, but be careful as they may not be reliable and can damage the coral.

• How do you know if coral is real?

Authenticity tests can help, but they often can’t confirm if the coral has been enhanced.

• Which zodiac signs should avoid wearing Red Coral?

 Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, and Aquarius typically avoid this gem, as it’s linked to the planet Mars.

• Are there other tests to identify real Red Coral?

Yes, but professional gemologists have the most accurate methods.

• What is special about Red Coral?

 It’s believed to promote healing, enhance mental and physical health, and protect against negative forces.