Red Coral (Moonga)

About this Red Coral (Moonga)

A single red coral of 7.00 carats, described by the supplier as Italian Red Coral, with an origin of Italy and a treatment of natural and untreated, both as described by the supplier. The listing describes its colour as ox-blood, the deep red long favoured for astrological coral. Coral is organic: it is the skeleton built up by colonies of tiny marine animals from calcium carbonate, and it is much softer and more porous than mineral gemstones. In Hindi and Jyotish it is called Moonga, and Sanskrit texts call it Pravala.

In Jyotish, red coral is the navaratna gem of Mars (Mangal), which classical texts associate with energy, courage, siblings, land and property, and with the commander among the planets. It is traditionally set in gold or copper, worn on the ring finger, and first put on on a Tuesday morning, often during Mars's hora and with a Mangal mantra. Some astrologers consider coral when Manglik dosha appears in a chart, while others prefer different remedies; practice varies.

You receive the loose coral; no setting is included. Because coral is soft and porous, ask your jeweller for a bezel or closed-back setting that covers its edges, and tell them it must not be heated or cleaned in acid-based solutions, which attack calcium carbonate. Once set, it is best kept for wear where it will not be knocked against hard surfaces.

Mars is helpful for some ascendants and difficult for others, so coral is decided chart by chart. Please consult an astrologer about your birth chart before wearing it.

Astrological significance

Mars is the karaka of energy, courage, siblings and land in Jyotish, and it is a functional benefic for some ascendants and a difficult planet for others. Astrologers usually weigh a Mars gemstone when Mars rules the ascendant or a trine, look at its sign, aspects and house, and consider the running dasha; Manglik placement is assessed separately. No ascendants are recorded for this listing, so have your chart read before deciding whether coral is appropriate.

Care & first wear

Wipe with a soft dry or barely damp cloth after wear. Coral is soft and porous: keep it away from perfume, sweat, hot water, acids, household cleaners and ultrasonic or steam machines. Put it on after cosmetics, and store it separately so harder gems cannot scratch it.