Coral: look-alikes and how to tell
Short answer
Coral is commonly confused with dyed bamboo coral, impregnated sponge coral, glass, plastic, dyed shell.
The species, which decides whether it can be sold and cross borders.
Look-alikes
- dyed bamboo coral
- impregnated sponge coral
- glass, plastic, dyed shell
What to look at
Precious coral shows fine parallel striations; dyed bamboo coral shows dark nodes and dye concentrated in holes and cracks.
What settles it
- 10× loupe: striated structure versus bubbles or mould marks.
Rules on selling it
If it is coral: Mediterranean and Pacific red and pink coral can be sold; crossing borders with it may need paperwork. Black and blue coral are CITES-listed and need a permit.
- CITES. Black corals (Antipatharia) and blue coral (Heliopora coerulea), Appendix II. Four Pacific red and pink coral species, Appendix III at China’s request (2008). Mediterranean Corallium rubrum is not listed. CITES, Apéndices
This is a summary of public rules, not legal advice; they change.
Frequently asked
What can coral be mistaken for?
dyed bamboo coral; impregnated sponge coral; glass, plastic, dyed shell.
How can I tell coral from its look-alikes?
10× loupe: striated structure versus bubbles or mould marks.