Description
1) A calcium carbonate structure composed of skeletons from colonies of soft-bodied marine animals of the class Anthozoa (phylum Cnidaria). Coral deposits accumulate at an average rate of about 0.5 to 2.8 cm per year to form reefs or islands in warm seas (13-15 C). Coral falls into several classes called stony corals (star coral), black corals, thorny corals, horny corals (gorgonians), and blue corals. They can range in color from white, cream, red, blue, and black. Red, or precious, coral is considered the most valuable. It is obtained from the Mediterranean Sea and off the coast of Japan. Coral has been used since antiquity to make jewelry, ornaments, beads, and decorative objects.
2) A pale orangy pink color.
Synonyms and Related Terms
calcium carbonate; coral (Esp., Port.); Koralle (Deut.); corail (Fr.); corallo (It.); sango matsu (Jap.); koraal (Ned.)
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Last updated on: 7/6/2009 9:09:21 AM
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