Fossil coral is also known as agatized coral or agatized fossil coral. It is a form of quartz and this makes it pretty durable compared to other gemstones and is very suitable for use in jewelry. Fossils are rocks that contain the preserved remains, or traces of remains of ancient animals, plants or insects. The fossils are formed when these biological matter are replaced by opal, chalcedony or other minerals over a very long period of time. Dinosaur bones, fossil corals like Petoskey stone, stromatolite and petrified wood are some examples of different types of fossil.
To be clear, fossil coral is not precious coral or protected endangered reef coral rather it is a prehistoric coral, made up of skeletons of marine animals that have been fossilized, preserved and replaced with agate over time and are considered as natural gemstones. The process for this fossilization can take up to more than 20 million years. These marine skeletons are made of aragonite which is a form of calcium carbonate, also known as coral.
Fossil corals usually exhibit pretty, lace-like coral patterns that appear in flower shapes. They have a soft, smooth waxy luster and come in different natural colors ranging from white, pink, brown, gray, black, yellow and red. Depending on the mineral content, oxidization and weathering of the fossil coral, colors could vary widely within a single stone.
NOTE:
Care: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse well. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat as heat may alter the color of the gemstone. Avoid using harsh household chemicals like bleach, sulfuric acid to clean fossil coral.
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