Structure

Corals are marine invertebrates within the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria. They typically live in compact colonies of many identical individual polyps. Corals species include the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans and secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.

A coral "group" is a colony of myriad genetically identical polyps. Each polyp is a sac-like animal typically only a few millimeters in diameter and a few centimeters in height. A set of tentacles surround a central mouth opening. Each polyp excretes an exoskeleton near the base. Over many generations, the colony thus creates a skeleton characteristic of the species which can measure up to several meters in size. Individual colonies grow by asexual reproduction of polyps. Corals also breed sexually by spawning: polyps of the same species release gametes simultaneously overnight, often around a full moon. Fertilized eggs form planulae, a mobile early form of the coral polyp which when mature settles to form a new colony.

Although some corals are able to catch plankton and small fish using stinging cells on their tentacles, most corals obtain the majority of their energy and nutrients from photosynthetic unicellular dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium that live within their tissues. These are commonly known as zooxanthellae and gives the coral color. Such corals require sunlight and grow in clear, shallow water, typically at depths less than 60 metres (200 ft). Corals are major contributors to the physical structure of the coral reefs that develop in tropical and subtropical waters, such as the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. These corals are increasingly at risk of bleaching events where polyps expel the zooxanthellae in response to stress such as high water temperature or toxins.

Other corals do not rely on zooxanthellae and can live globally in much deeper water, such as the cold-water genus Lophelia which can survive as deep as 3,300 metres (10,800 ft). Some have been found as far north as the Darwin Mounds, northwest of Cape Wrath, Scotland, and others off the coast of Washington state and the Aleutian Islands.

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Reported Benefits

• Coral is helpful in bringing change into one's existence for the better.
• It is great for staying stabile and not feeling overwhelmed.
• It has an abundant amount of water energy which evokes purification, strength, and tranquility.
• The possessor of Coral will experience a heightened sense of love, vigor, and vitality.
• It helps one realize lessons from experiences and helps control impatience and frustration.
• This element brings forth the energies and feelings of rebirth and transformation.
• The possessor of Coral will feel honesty, genuineness, and confidence in a higher level.
• This stone represents wisdom, prosperity, stability, and security to the highest degree.
• Coral is an inventive element that helps one with creativity and in creating goals. 
• It manifests passion and adaptability into the existence of the holder.

LORE

• Coral is great for clearing one's energy channels to help balance the aura.
• It is often used for ridding one of negative thoughts and emotions.
• It has been proven helpful for telepathic communication with the heavenly realm and other dimensions.
• Coral is an excellent aid for blood circulation 
• This element has been used to ward off evil energies and spirits as far back as ancient times.
• It has been reported to assist in the treatment of pancreatic complications and stomach problems.
• Coral has been proven to be beneficial for the skin and eyes.
• It has been known to be good for the circulatory system.
• Coral eliminates weakness and cures depression.
• It is great in meditation as it brings in the energies of peace and harmony.
• This element has been reported to be useful in treatment of the thalamus and nervous system.
• Coral helps bring about psychic awareness by stimulating the pineal gland and pituitary gland (3rd Eye Activation).

Historical Figures Who Used Coral

• Nehalennia, Germanic/Celtic Goddess of The Seas.
• Oshun, Yoruba Goddess of Love, Beauty, Divinity, and Fertility.
• Turan, Etruscan Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Vitality.
• Yemoja, Yoruba Goddess of Oceans and Rivers.