Fossil Coral Hand Carved Salt & Pepper Set (Special)

Fossil coral is a natural gemstone that is created when prehistoric coral is gradually replaced with agate. Coral skeletons are biocomposites (mineral + organics) of calcium carbonate, in the form of calcite or aragonite. Corals are marine animals and it is their skeletons that are fossilized and preserved.

The fossil coral forms through hardened deposits left by silica-rich waters. Because modern corals live in large colonies, these skeletons can become quite large, sometimes forming reefs. When the polyp dies, its soft tissue decays, but the hard skeleton is left behind.

The hard skeleton of ancient corals is what is preserved as a fossil. With their hardened surfaces, corals are sometimes mistaken as being rocks. And, because they are attached, “taking root” to the seafloor, they are often mistaken for plants. However, unlike rocks, corals are alive.

As fossils, corals are found worldwide in sedimentary rocks. Based on these fossils, we know that the corals began their long evolutionary history in the Middle Cambrian, more than 510 million years ago.

Please Note: Natural gemstone or semi-precious stone comes from minerals. Due to their naturality, the stones may have a tiny flaw. Meanwhile, cutting or polishing also makes every piece of gemstone vary in colour and size. The image may look different (colour) due to many monitor or device resolutions.