The
industry is almost exclusively in the hands of Italians, although
originally carried on by the French. The latter are said to be
striving, by means of subsidies and in other ways, to regain control of
the industry, especially on the Algerian coasts. The production from
this region alone amounts to twenty-two thousand pounds yearly. The
cutting and working of the coral is carried on chiefly in factories in
the cities of Genoa, Leghorn, and Marseilles. The value of the crude
coral varies considerably according to its quality. If the coral polyps
have died before a branch is brought to the surface, the coral turns
black, and its value is thus considerably decreased. On .the shores of
Sicily a large proportion of dead coral is brought up, and the
proportion is continually increasing. The cause is believed to be
quantities of volcanic ash thrown from the neighboring volcanoes, which
make the water too muddy for the polyps. Some of the coral found is
considerably worm-eaten, and this sort is highly valued in some parts
of India, although regarded worthless in Europe. The particular shade
of coral most highly valued by Europeans varies from time to time. At
one time the bright red was preferred, then a pale pink, or rose color,
came into fashion, and now the red seems to be most in favor again. The
color, whatever it is, should be uniform to make a piece of coral of
the best quality. The forms into which coral is cut include beads,
buttons, ear-ring drops, cameos, and carvings of various sorts.
Polished pieces of branches an inch or two in length are often worn in
bunches, either as brooches or in the form of bracelets and necklaces.
These were supposed in former times to act as a charm to ward off bad
luck and evil spirits. Coral is especially prized by dark-skinned
people, such as the Italians, Moors, Persians, and Hindoos, because its
color harmonizes well with their complexion. The Chinese also use
immense quantities of it, although the effect in color, as contrasted
with that of the wearer, is less favorable to them.
Precious coral seems to have been known and prized by the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks called it gorgeia, and
believed that it originated from the blood which dripped from the head
of Medusa, and which becoming hard was planted by sea-nymphs in the
sea. In the Middle Ages precious coral was used in medicine as an
astringent, and was given to newly born infants. It was also given
together with a preparation of pearls as a cure for vomiting and colic.
It was supposed to be a heart stimulant and to cure fevers and
poisonings. Hung on fruit-bearing trees it protected them from hail and
blighting winds and gave fertility. It was worn by children as a
preventive against children's diseases, and infants were
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