Natural Sponge Coral Gemstone Pendant
A fine sterling silver pendant featuring a sponge coral cabochon.
Correctly known as melithaea ochracea, sponge coral is a coral not a sponge.
Found primarily in the South China Sea, sponge coral is lightweight and soft, so must be handled carefully. It can be legally traded because it's not endangered.
Sponge coral is stabilised because its natural tree-like structure has tiny holes created by polyps.
The process involves filling the holes with a resin or other substance to prevent erosion or crumbling. Many rocks and minerals are stabilised to enable them to be used for other purposes.
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