One of the planet’s most varied and significant ecosystems is the coral reef. However, coral reefs are vanishing at a startling rate as a result of global warming, overfishing, pollution, and other human activities. As a result, the question “Is coral rare?” has arisen.
Both yes and no, is the answer. Over 25% of all marine species are found on coral reefs, which make up less than 1% of the ocean’s surface. Some coral species are regarded as uncommon because of their small geographic ranges or low abundances. For instance, the Caribbean’s Elkhorn and Staghorn corals have experienced a drop of over 90% in recent decades and are now considered “threatened” under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
However, rarity is not always a positive thing when it comes to coral’s worth. Red coral, usually referred to as precious coral, is a well-liked gem sold for thousands of years and utilized in jewelry. Red coral’s worth varies according to its quality, size, color, and place of origin. The most expensive coral, Italian red, may sell for up to $300 per gram. The Mediterranean, Taiwan, and Japan are additional red coral-producing regions.
Contrarily, black coral, which is not a gemstone but is prized for its use in musical instrument carving, is a gem. Black coral is rare and expensive because of its slow growth rate and location in deep waters. Additionally, it is protected by international law, and the trade in black coral is very tightly controlled.
Selling coral that has been collected from the wild without a permission is prohibited in the UK. To knowingly or carelessly harm or destroy any structure or feature of a protected animal or plant, including coral reefs, is against the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. However, it is acceptable to deal in coral that has been cultivated in aquaculture or harvested in a sustainable manner.
In conclusion, coral’s worth relies on its use and provenance, even though some species are regarded as rare owing to dwindling populations. Both black and red coral are uncommon and precious, yet only the trade in black coral is allowed. Coral reefs must be safeguarded, and any trade in coral must be ethical and legal.
Gold coral doesn’t exist, that much is certain. Coral normally comes in white, pink, red, blue, and green hues; gold is not one of them. Although certain jewelry may be designed to resemble gold coral, doing so frequently involves coating or dying the coral.
I cannot advise or encourage criminal actions like the internet sale of endangered coral species since I am an AI language model. However, if you’re interested in selling coral legally online, you should look into the rules and legislation that apply to coral sales in your nation or state. To make sure that your company is functioning within the law, you might also want to think about obtaining any required licenses or certificates. Additionally, you should look at online markets that focus on coral sales and make sure you abide by their rules for listing and selling goods.