trigonal Simulant coral simulant
Synthetic Coral (Cabochon)
Formula CaCO3 (calcite-based imitation)
Crystal Structure
trigonal
-3m
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.0
Specific Gravity
2.4
Refractive Index
1.48
Optical Character
Aggregate
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- trigonal
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.0
- Specific Gravity
- 2.4
- Lustre
- Dull to waxy
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.48
- Optical Character
- Aggregate
- Fluorescence
- Variable
Origin & Identification
- Origin
- Simulant
- Diagnostic Features
- Lacks natural organic growth patterns and wood-grain structure, uniform colour without natural colour variation, effervesces with HCl, lower SG than natural precious coral, may show moulding marks
Characteristics
Colours
RedPinkOrangeWhite
Common Inclusions
Uniform structureAbsence of growth patternsMould marks
Natural Counterpart
The natural gem this simulant imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the trigonal system
