Black Coral: The Mysterious Treasure of the Deep

Black Coral: The Mysterious Treasure of the Deep

When we think of coral, bright colors immediately come to mind: red, pink, orange. But there's a coral as fascinating as it is rare that defies these common images: black coral.
🌑 What is black coral?

Black coral isn't just black by legend or poetry: its internal skeleton, rich in proteins like conchiolin, naturally takes on a dark color, ranging from deep brown to intense black. Unlike common corals, which live near the surface, black coral is found deep below sea level, between 30 and 300 meters below sea level, often anchored to rocky walls or sandy bottoms.

It belongs to the Antipatharia family, a group of corals that are “antipathetic” only in name (from the Greek “anti” = against and “pathos” = suffering, perhaps due to the belief that it had protective properties).

🌊 Where is it?

It can be found in various parts of the world: the Caribbean Sea, the Red Sea, the Pacific, but also in our Mediterranean Sea, although in very limited and protected quantities.

💎 A natural jewel

Black coral has long been considered a precious material . In Polynesian and Asian cultures, it was used as an amulet against negative energies, while today it is worked by expert craftsmen to create refined jewelry, often combined with gold or semiprecious stones.

Its beauty, however, comes at a price: indiscriminate harvesting and illegal fishing have put many colonies at risk.

🌱 Black coral and sustainability

Today, black coral is a protected species in many areas of the world . Its harvesting is regulated by international conventions such as CITES, to prevent exploitation and promote more sustainable practices.

Those who love the sea know that beauty can also be admired without taking it away: photographed, learned about, respected.

✨ A symbol of elegance and mystery

Black coral isn't just a material: it's a symbol. Mysterious, elegant, tied to the quietest and deepest seabeds. It carries with it ancient and modern stories, magic and biology, and reminds us how little we still know about the deep.

Conclusion:

Black coral is a true submerged treasure , to be protected and respected. A gift from the sea that deserves to be talked about, even before being worn.