98ST440-16: Red Coral Hexagon Slice 10MM Avg 16in ST

Like Pearls, Corals help make up the very small list of organic jewelry materials. Also, like pearls, Corals consist of more than 90% calcium carbonate. The corals used in bead and jewelry making are not the protected coral species of the fragile coral reefs, but the more common and hearty species such as corallium japonicum or corallium rubrum. Coral is sensitive to heat, direct sunlight and cosmetics. Currently the International Commission of Colored Gemstones (CIBJO) recognizes only five organic (once living material) gemstones: <a href="/catalog/Pendants-and-Charms/Gemstone-Beads/Ammonite/">Ammolite</a>, <a href="/catalog/Beads/Gemstone-Beads/Amber/">amber</a>, <a href="/catalog/Beads/Freshwater-Pearls/">pearl</a>, jet, and coral. Bamboo coral grows in segmented sections similar to those of bamboo. Match our bamboo coral with <a href="/catalog/Beads/Gemstone-Beads/Turquoise/">turquoise</a>, <a href="/catalog/Beads/Precious-Metal/Sterling-Silver-Beads/">sterling silver</a> and <a href="/search/Heishi+Shell/searchType/and/">heishi</a> style beads.