RED CORAL - Praval or Moonga (for Mars)

Vidruma or coral is an organic gem that comes from reefs and atolls. The most valued coral is the noble red coral seen here (Corallicum rubrum). The color is uniform throughout with no pits or color streaks. Polished coral has a vitreous lustre. Due to pollution, coral is an endangered species.

Vidruma or coral influences Mangal or Mars which is responible for the field of activity, energy, courage, ambition, sports, property, strength, commander, technical ability, mechanical, forcefulness and bravery. In Jyotish, Mangal is known as the commander-in-chief, due to its influence in organizing and managing direction in activity. Mangal or Mars is like a General with its focus on precision and power in activity.
Mangal in our physiolgy is associated with the Red Nucleus, Pars Compacta, and Amygdala. These structures in the brain control activity by providing checks and balances, activating and inhibiting impulses in the brain, and maintaining steadiness and precision of movement. These influences can be strengthened with the wearing of Vidruma or coral when recommended.
It is said that Red Coral instills courage in its wearer. It also helps in curing blood -related diseases. It is normally red in color. Coral ensures material happiness, recovery from diseases indicated by Mars such as fever, cough, bilious complaints, smallpox, chickenpox, headache, loss of vitality, piles, boils, measles etc. It should be worn in silver or copper, and should be of 9, 11, 12 grams, on Tuesday on 1st or 4th finger of right hand. It is a hot stone.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Coral is a product of sea. It is formed from the calcareous skeletons of myriads of tiny polyps (which means insect with many feet) which live in vast colonies in warm waters at a moderate depth. It is composed chiefly of calcium carbonate. This is arranged as fibres radiating from the central axis of the curving coral branches. Its specific Gravity is 2.68 and hardness is less than 4 on the Moh's scale. It is an opaque stone. Many forms of coral exist but only high quality Red, Pink, Blue, Black and white corals are used in jewellery.

OCCURRENCE

Corals are found in India, Italy, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Malasia, South, Africa, Algeria and U.S.A.

IDENTIFICATION

Coral, being an opaque gem, is very difficult to identify. A lot of eye practice is required to differentiate between a natural and a manmade coral. Natural corals, if seen under magnification, always tell the story of their origin. They have black marks which are actually holes.
A very careful examination is required to identify a natural coral. As real corals are not very clear and if clear they are very costly. Manmade corals are very commonly found in the market places being sold as real corals.