Description
Fossil coral is a natural gemstone formed when prehistoric coral is gradually replaced by agate. Corals are marine organisms, and their fossilized skeletons are preserved. This fossil coral forms from fossilized deposits left behind by silica-rich water, a process that can take over twenty million years. The correct term for fossil coral is "agatized coral" or "agatized fossil coral." Agate, composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a variety of naturally occurring chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) and not a type of coral. Therefore, fossil coral should not be confused with endangered or protected reef coral or precious coral. Fossil coral is considerably harder than precious coral. Most agatized fossil corals have a matte to waxy sheen and display fascinating, skeletal patterns of ancient coral, often in the form of flowers. Fossil coral deposits are often used to make health and medicinal supplements because of their rich calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium content. Fossil coral, which can remove chemical contaminants such as chlorine and formaldehyde, is also used in industrial fertilizers and water purification filters.
