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Fossilized polyps form Black Coral. There are about 200 deep-sea species. Precious minerals form the sheer walls of the reefs. The dark skeleton of fossilized organic remains is used in jewelry making. Black coral jewelry is highly valued all over the world. The cost can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Description of black corals
Characteristics of the stone
Black coral has the second name Akabar. Antiparia or coral polyps (class Invertebrates) that form it live in oceans and seas. They are located in subtropical zones at a depth of more than 100 m. Dominions of organisms form an axis from which small polyps extend in the form of spines. The trunk is branched, has a spiral or even shape.
Antiparia consist of antipatin molecules of black and brown color. The protein compound belongs to the group of scleproteins; it is synthesized by epithelial cells of microorganisms, laid out in concentric layers, framing the central tubular axis.
Black Akabar does not turn into other colors. Sunlight does not penetrate to great depths. In places where corals are formed, rapid currents are characteristic, which is the determining factor for the formation of corals in the area. They are predominantly formed in the reservoirs of Cuba.
J. Cook was the first to bring the mineral to European countries. His merchant ship was sailing the ocean and was wrecked, ending up on a reef near Cuba. The captain paid great attention to cartography and geographical research. Seeing the oddly shaped stones, he decided to bring them to his homeland, Great Britain. The trade community appreciated the find and the stone began to be actively used in various industries.
Black Corals: An Underwater Jewel
Many people know about black corals as a material for quite expensive jewelry. Biologists and scuba divers know that these plant-like creatures are actually marine animals.
Antipataria, or black corals (from the Latin Antipatharia) are an order in the class of coral polyps, which includes 7 families, 40 genera and 235 species. These corals are also called spiny corals due to the presence of needle-like formations on their skeletons.
Black sea corals are common in absolutely all oceans, they live both in shallow waters and at great depths, but they can mainly be found at a hundred-meter depth in subtropical and tropical marine zones.
Black corals (Antipatharia).
All antipataria are colonial organisms, which consist of a rigid axis of the colony and a large number of small polyps extending from it. Colonies come in different types: branching, non-branching, and also similar to a long flexible trunk. In addition, there are also forms similar to a spiral curl.
Living black corals come in a variety of colors, mostly quite bright. The animals received the name “black” for the characteristic color of their skeleton.
The skeleton of black corals is of protein origin.
The skeleton is not calcareous, it is built from protein molecules called antipatin (by the way, it was the protein that got its name from corals, and not vice versa). The epithelial cells of these marine organisms secrete the protein antipatin and deposit it in layers around a central base, gradually creating their skeleton.
Black corals do not like bright light.
The polyps of spiny corals are small, reaching only 0.5-2 millimeters in size. Polyps are cylindrical in shape and have the same structure within the colony. The mouth opening of the polyp is surrounded by a corolla, which consists of tentacles. These tentacles have stinging cells, which are known to be possessed by another aquatic creature - jellyfish.
Antipatharies do not exist where there is bright light. Light does not reach corals that live at great depths. Other corals that live not so deep in caves and grottoes are content with dim light or are active in the dark. Interestingly, spiny corals have been found to have symbiotic algae that cannot survive in the dark without the ability to photosynthesize. It is not yet clear why black corals need such symbions.
Black coral polyps are microscopic in size.
Black corals settle in places where there are strong currents that carry plankton. It is plankton that black corals feed on. Some experts claim that the suitability for life in certain places of black corals is determined precisely by the current.
Spike corals reproduce sexually and asexually. They grow very slowly. In a year, colonies grow only a few centimeters in length and only a fraction of a centimeter in thickness. Large specimens found underwater are old corals.
Black coral with spiral shape.
At the age of 50 years, black corals can become suitable for jewelry. To date, the longest lifespan of such animals is estimated at 4265 years and belongs to the spiny coral of the genus Leiopathes.
Black coral jewelry is an expensive and rare item.
In many countries, the mining of black corals is prohibited. Their species has sharply declined due to mining and sea pollution. In some countries, the use and harvesting of spiny corals is controlled at the national and international levels.
Black coral has a national symbol and gemstone status in the Hawaiian Islands. Local residents claim that black corals only from the Hawaiian Islands are the best on the planet.
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Magic properties
Black coral jewelry is widespread in magical circles. Coral absorbs energy from the outside world, protects against dark forces, and protects against failure. Magami was used to make amulets. In ancient times, people used its magical properties to protect children by placing it in the crib of babies.
The magical properties of black coral lie in the ability to endow the owner with wisdom. The stone is a source of eternal youth, and it also attracts love and other blessings into a person’s life.
Energetic people are better off giving it up. Wearing Coral jewelry, such a person will feel a breakdown. The effect is due to the fact that on the seabed the mineral was constantly in the raging elements and fed on its energy. A person with a strong biofield will become a source of nutrition for the stone.
Active energy flows of coral affect the mental state:
- dispel fear;
- drive away nightmares;
- eliminate insomnia;
- indicate the true path.
How to distinguish between natural and fake corals
To check the authenticity of akabar jewelry, look at it under bright sunlight - the natural material should have a reddish tint. Carefully inspect the holes if you choose a bracelet or beads: the black coral inside the drilled tunnel will be the same. If you have a bone imitation in front of you, the beads inside will be light in color. A hot needle will help you identify a plastic counterfeit: when it touches the jewelry, a specific smell of burnt plastic will appear. It is also important to learn how to distinguish fake red corals.
And in conclusion, we want to say: akabar, of course, is a very interesting jewelry material, but there are less expensive and also very attractive coral jewelry - red in many exquisite shades. Choose them in our catalog, authenticity is guaranteed.
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Medicinal properties
Coral is used to make medicinal powders
Folk and traditional medicine use stone to make various medicinal powders. The mineral is rich in calcium, which is easily absorbed by the human body. It is used to strengthen hair, nails, teeth, and bones.
Used in the treatment of the following diseases:
- endocrine system;
- dermis;
- cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive systems.
Products from Akabar have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Helps to cope with stress and irritability. In lithotherapy it is used as a means of accelerating metabolism, increasing the elasticity of muscle tissue, and restoring cartilage tissue. Massage with coral stones is effective.
Application
The main use of dark corals is in jewelry. Beads and earrings are made from them. Jewelry comes from Cuba. The price varies between $200-30,000.
The products are highly durable. The mineral is saturated with calcium, which allows the mineral to be used in the manufacture of dentures, artificial bones, and dental implants.
Coral beads are recommended for wearing by people whose work involves public speaking: teachers, musicians, speakers. Wearing an Akabar ring helps eliminate toxins. In magic it is used as a protective agent against the evil eye and damage. Figures from akabars are installed at home to improve financial status.
Stone jewelry is given to newlyweds as a wedding gift - it helps to avoid quarrels and scandals, and protects the owners of the house from enemies. Coral talismans are considered protectors of travelers.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
The products are suitable for zodiac signs ruled by the water element: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio.
Coral helps them discover their talents and find meaning in life. Fills a person with life energy and gives self-confidence.
The only representative of the horoscope who should avoid this stone is Virgo. The mineral worsens the well-being of Virgos and turns energy flows against them.
In relation to other signs of the zodiac, he is calm. For Taurus and Capricorn, the mineral brings peace, helps to relax the nervous system, and gain stimulation. It has a positive effect on the character of Aquarius, Libra and Gemini: it pacifies their negative qualities, helps them cope with difficult life situations, and gives peace.
For the fire element, Black Coral is not the best companion. Leos, Sagittarius and Aries should use it with caution: for example, only for treating joints. Continuous wearing is not recommended.
Properties of black coral
Humanity became acquainted with black coral many centuries ago. For example, the Mayan Indians wore the mineral as jewelry, wearing the mineral around their necks in the form of beads. Then they believed that such an amulet protected its owner from everything negative, including evil spirits. In addition, corals were credited with an amazing ability to attract good luck, fill a person with vital energy and positive emotions.
Magical
Modern esotericism does not deny the magical manifestations of hardened polyps. It is believed that they are charged with powerful force by the sea itself, which, as is known, carries its energy of peace and tranquility.
The magical properties of black coral include:
- helps to make the right decision;
- calms the nervous system, smoothes out “sharp corners” in character, makes the owner more delicate and understanding;
- protects against any witchcraft influences, including damage, evil eye, love spell;
- fills the house with happiness, prevents quarrels, betrayals, promotes quick reconciliation of spouses;
- develops intuition, the gift of foresight;
- helps to reveal creative talents and gives inspiration.
Medicinal
To date, in the field of lithotherapy, all the abilities of the mineral have not been fully revealed. However, this does not mean that it does not exhibit its healing properties. It is known for sure that black coral can act as an indicator of health. As soon as it “feels” the slightest disease, its color becomes less saturated and its shine becomes cloudy.
In addition, the medicinal properties of coral include:
- eliminates apathy, melancholy, sadness, depressive states;
- reduces the risk of developing cancer;
- cures ulcers;
- normalizes heart function;
- rejuvenates the body, cleanses it of toxins;
- improves vision;
- has a beneficial effect on pregnancy, helps carry the baby and promotes easy childbirth.
