Locality: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

Description: These are bare branch sections of red tree coral, likely Primnoa pacifica, a deep-water sea fan of the North Pacific. What you are getting is the dead skeletal axis of the coral, not a fossil: a modern, organic skeleton made of gorgonin (a horn-like protein) layered with calcite. The coral is red only while alive, because of its living tissue. The bare skeleton is naturally brown to tan, and cut ends show fine concentric growth rings around a small pale core, much like tree rings. The colour is natural and untreated.

The story behind this lot: it came from the owner of a rock shop in Prince Rupert, who told us local fishermen used to bring her chunks of coral that came up in their nets. We pass that on as her account; we can't independently confirm it.

Chemical Composition: Gorgonin (protein) with calcite
Grade: Semi Precious
Appearance: Translucent/ Opaque
Colour: Natural brown/tan, untreated

Cost per Gram: $0.35
Size approximately 1 pc: 14.5cm x 2cm x 2cm
Weight approximately 1 pc: 98g

Working Notes: Gorgonin is soft (about 3.5 Mohs) and works more like horn than stone. Cut and sand wet, with light pressure and fine grits, and keep it cool, because heat can scorch the protein and give off a burnt-hair smell. The growth layers can separate along the rings, so stabilize with thin CA glue or resin before cutting, and expect some delamination at the edges. It takes a soft, satiny polish. Wear a dust mask, as with any organic material.

Rough is rough. We do our best to grade and describe pieces in the lot, but ultimately, they all differ.

Metaphysical: Coral has long been linked with the sea and with community, since each tree is built by a colony working together. Many people keep it as a reminder of patience and steady growth, ring by ring over many years.