Featured red coral turning white...need help

Does anyone know what to do with red coral turning white.

 

The only thing I could think of is that it was probably white coral dyed red and the red dye is fading.

 

crappy dye on white coral......i concur !

 

Welcome Paula!

A pic of your coral would help to give an accurate advice, genuine red coral with time and exposure to soap or dryness can show white crusty areas.

 

Welcome, Paula

I agree. If it is whitening of genuine red coral, it can be solved very easily, but we need to see photos, as kyra said. Besides, we love to see coral.

 

WELCOME Paula !!! ... Joy.

 

Hello Everyone

Apologies for hijacking this thread. But i thought what is the point of multiple subjects with same query.

I believe this to be red coral. it however has some sort of white powder in its midst, (holes).. Cannot explain it. the pictures will be able to do more talking.

Dont have the item in front of me so it will be difficult to get more pictures as such.

I hope these pictures are good enough for some answers.



There appears to be some sort of damage on this part or is it that the coral has been destroyed?

 

No problem at all, Roshan.

It is organ pipe coral, found in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. Those white bits are the remnants of polyps. The damage is damage from something knocking or pressing into it.

Organ pipe coral is a soft coral, and not suitable for carving because of the very thin, fragile walls. The latin name of organ pipe coral is Tubipora Musica (love that name).

Precious red coral is a hard coral, and it comes in thick branches suitable for carving. The latin name of precious red coral is Corallium Rubrum.

 

You are not hijacking the post
Original poster asked a question and.... run away!
Still running one month later

 

Yes, once posted a thread leads its own life.

 

If i may ask is there a way of cleaning the white bits? wash it in water ? or let it be?

 

Carefully scrap with a wooden toothpick and a soft brush.

 

Just let it be. It is supposed to be there, and any cleaning could damage the coral. The coral is very fragile.

 

Here is some with similar polyp residue:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_pipe_coral

 

More, no one minds the polyps, that's nature:


https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels...ipora-musica-50-45-18-cm-it-im-2018-mce-03332

The polyps while alive:


https://coraltriangleadventures.com/the-pinkest-beach-of-them-all/

 

Agree!

 

Thanks guys will let it be. You guys are so prompt and knowledgeable.

One last question. How do you store this kind of fragile coral ? If it was being put away and not open in a show case Zip lock bag or it needs to breath ?

 

A showcase or in a cabinet, away from dust

 

... and coral needs to breathe.