How much is red coral per gram at current market prices?

Red coral has a pleasing color and a lustrous, smooth texture. Along with pearl and amber, it is ranked as one of the three major organic gems, and in Eastern Buddhist scriptures it is also listed as one of the Seven Treasures. Since ancient times it has been regarded as a symbol of wealth and good fortune. At the same time, natural red coral grows extremely slowly, is non-renewable, and grows only in a few straits, making it extremely precious due to its limited marine range. Let us take a look below at how much red coral costs per gram!

How much is red coral per gram?

Coral production is very limited, and prices have been rising for years. Red coral has become one of the fastest-appreciating collectibles in recent years. In 2014 its price was about 6,000 to 8,000 yuan per gram, and by 2015 it had risen to 18,000 to 20,000 yuan. A red coral ring that cost 2,000 yuan in 2014 rose to 8,000 yuan in 2015. At present, white coral costs about 30 to 100 yuan per gram, pink coral about 1,000 to 5,000 yuan per gram, deep red coral about 10,000 to 20,000 yuan per gram, and old red coral about 15,000 to 25,000 yuan per gram.

What are the uses of red coral?

1. Medicinal value: Red coral has many medical benefits, including nourishing the complexion and supporting health, promoting blood circulation, improving eyesight, dispelling heat, calming convulsions, and promoting sweating and urination. More than 400 years ago, the great physician Li Shizhen recorded in the classic work Compendium of Materia Medica that coral "removes eye films and improves eyesight, calms the spirit and stops convulsions. It is used for eye films and obstructions, convulsions, and nasal ailments." The latest research abroad suggests that coral can be used for bone grafting, and as medicine it can treat ulcers, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and venereal diseases.

2. Physiological effects: Red coral can help prevent menstrual pain and other women's physiological problems. When worn by children, it has the effect of protecting bone growth. It also has a function in detecting blood-related diseases: if the color becomes lighter the longer it is worn, there may well be problems such as anemia or poor blood circulation. It is also very suitable for patients with heart disease and nervous system diseases, and it helps the growth of skin, nails, and hair.

3. Psychological effects: In terms of love, red coral represents passion and intensity. It can enhance the wearer's sensual charm, help open the heart, and accept affection. It raises one's spiritual level and brings a high degree of sensitivity, and it has a harmonizing effect on murky and unclear situations. Moreover, red coral is also one of the Eight Treasures of Buddhism and can bring good luck to the wearer.

How to identify red coral

1. Look at the texture: Red coral all has longitudinal lines parallel to the direction of coral growth, and they are fairly tightly arranged. In addition, the cross section of red coral has ring-like lines similar to tree growth rings. When identifying with the naked eye, pay attention to these two kinds of texture.

2. Look at the color: The color of red coral is a vivid, lively red. Whether light or dark, it is lively, not dull, and not congested. Red coral also has a bright waxy luster, whereas dyed red coral has no luster, and its color is congested and dull.

3. Listen to the sound: Real coral looks delicate, but when pieces knock against each other they produce a crisp, firm sound. Generally, plastic or other imitation coral will not produce this hard, crisp sound. This sound is especially obvious on branch-shaped coral.

4. Weigh it in the hand: Coral has a good sense of weight. When placed in the palm, it generally gives a heavy feeling that does not match its delicate appearance. This weight is also one of the bases for distinguishing red coral from some low-quality imitations.

How to care for red coral

1. The main component of red coral is calcium carbonate, and it has many tiny pores on its surface that easily absorb various gases from the outside. Therefore, never wear coral jewelry while cooking or doing similar activities, and do not wear coral jewelry when getting a haircut or bathing. Otherwise, cooking fumes, perfume, and bathing steam will penetrate into the coral jewelry.

2. Red coral contains a small amount of water, so avoid water loss caused by excessive dryness, which can lead to cracking. Even more, avoid baking with heat and prolonged exposure to the hot sun, and do not place it in a damp environment for a long time. Because coral contains a certain amount of organic matter, long-term dampness can lead to mold, or even insect damage.

3. Red coral has relatively low hardness, so it should be stored separately when collected to avoid being scratched by other gemstones. When wearing it, try not to let it come into contact with hard objects; repeated friction will damage the smoothness, finish, and brightness of the coral surface. When storing it, wrap it in a soft cloth and place it properly in a box with a soft lining.

4. Red coral should be protected from prolonged exposure to the sun and from high-temperature baking, otherwise it easily loses water and luster, or even fades.

5. When red coral jewelry becomes dirty, wash it with neutral soapy water or clean water, then wipe it dry with a clean towel.

6. When caring for red coral, lightly wipe it with a small amount of colorless, wax-free baby oil or olive oil, and leave it for one night and it will regain its luster. In severe cases, it can be gently polished.