The Symbolism And History Of Red Coral

Moonga, in English, is called Red Coral. It is a semi-precious stone widely used in jewelry and astrology. This remarkable gem is composed of calcium carbonate and is considered an organic gem. It features a deep, intense red color and is amongst the most valuable corals of all varieties. Red coral symbolizes passion, vitality, energy, and protection. Coral symbol in many cultures relates to modesty, happiness, fertility, and immortality.

Red Coral Gemstone Origin 

These are found in warm waters up to 1,000 feet deep, while fine-grade corals are found between 100 and 160 feet. The famous Japanese coral comes in red, pink, and white. Red and pink varieties can also be found off the coastlines of the Mediterranean and Africa. The best quality moonga stones come from the Mediterranean Sea in countries like Italy, Algeria, Spain and Tunisia. This area's favorable conditions are responsible for forming high-quality corals. Black and golden hued gems can be found off the beaches of the West Indies, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Today, the most valuable Lal Moonga come from Japan and Italy. Munga stones sourced from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan are the most expensive due to their intense red color. This coral symbolizes good fortune in Japanese culture.  Those sourced from Italy are also in high demand.

History of Red Coral Stone

For centuries, jewelry made from Moonga Ratna has been worn. It involves tiny marine invertebrate organisms like the polyp, which produce them in the ocean. Over thousands of years, the accumulation of these animal skeletons has formed colonies and reefs, including islands. At the same time, these colonies expanded in a branched pattern. The most outstanding example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia's northeast. It is one of the best-known coral reefs in the world, stretching more than 1,250 miles. 

Since ancient times until modern times, they have mostly been mined and appreciated for their decorative value. Lal Munga was first discovered around 3000 B.C. In the 20th century, couples chose to combine diamonds. This blend has popularized the world's most significant and most valuable gemstone.

According to the earliest encyclopedias, Pliny the Elder published a lengthy article on these organic gems in 77 A.D. The most valuable moonga is the reddest and most branchy. This gemstone species, Corallium rubrum, was long believed to have protective properties when worn as an amulet. It was also revered for its aesthetic value and spiritual significance. He states that the Gauls decorated their swords, shields, and helmets with this gemstone. The effectiveness of these stones extended to its use in medicine. The issues in the bladder, fever, ulcers, and scars were believed to improve after burning and ingesting it. Due to its excellent market value, it was transported from its harvesting locations to more prosperous regions for sale and exchange.

Red coral Symbolism in Various Cultures

This beautiful semi-precious stone has a rich symbolism across various cultures. In ancient Rome, Moonga Ratna was considered a powerful talisman and was believed to protect children from evil forces. Roman soldiers wore it during battles. In Hinduism, Munga is associated with the planet Mars (Mangal), and individuals suffering from the malefic effects of this Graha are advised to wear it. This red gemstone in Tibetan culture is incorporated into traditional jewelry and religious artifacts. Since Tibetan Buddhism is related to protection and healing, this gem symbolizes life force and energy, thus used as a healing stone. Moonga is associated with fertility; in many cultures, it is gifted to brides for a prosperous marriage.

5 Benefits of Red Coral Stone in Astrology

• Enhances Courage and Confidence

The ruling planet of coral is Mars, which symbolizes energy and fearlessness. Wearing a Munga Ratna ring on the ring finger of your right hand helps boost your self-confidence. Thus, if you are a student wanting good grades in your exam or a working professional lacking motivation and confidence, you can wear this Mangal stone. It provides inner strength to the wearer, helping to pursue goals in the future. The moonga stone offers courage to deal with stress in the working environment, enhancing your overall productivity.

• Boost Physical and Mental Stamina

Lal Munga is related to energy and vitality. Like athletes, individuals who require physical and mental strength can wear this stone. It provides them with great power and endurance. This gemstone for Mars improves mental clarity and endurance, thus allowing individuals to take on challenging tasks. You can make good decisions and excel in your career if you are mentally strong. Therefore, an original Moonga Ratna is an excellent stone for professional success.

• Red Coral Stone for Mangal Dosh

Manglik (Mangal) Dosh relates to the unfavorable position of Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house in one’s birth chart. This leads to delays in marriage and conflicts in relationships. In Vedic astrology, wearing a Tikona Moonga on the left hand's ring finger for females can help remove conflicts and induce harmony in a relationship. Thus, the coral symbol in Hinduism relates to a happy married life. Read this blog, Red Coral's Surprising Benefits for Manglik Dosha, and learn more.

• Protection from Negative energies

Since ancient times, munga stones have benefited the wearer from evil forces. It is an excellent stone for travel, so salespeople with touring jobs can keep moonga stone in their pocket. This will help them be safe during a long journey from mishap. You can read more about other gemstones that are useful for travel in our blog: Gemstones for traveling

If you are constantly facing psychic attacks or jealousy from a peer group or anybody else, wear Laal Moonga.

• Healing Properties of Red Coral

Munga is a remarkable healing stone that enhances an individual's immune system. It helps combat blood and bone-related issues. This red gemstone aids in improving blood circulation and healing wounds. It is related to the root chakra. Thus, wearing a coral ring on the ring finger of the left hand activates the root chakra and helps the wearer overcome stress, fear, and depression.

10 Easy Steps to Wear Moonga Ratna

-Consult with an astrologer first. One should wear a gem only after birth chart analysis.

-Select high-quality stone.

-Munga only gives maximum benefits with gold metal.

-The best day and time to wear munga is Tuesday in the early morning.

The ring finger is the correct finger to wear this gem.

-Energize the stone first. Read our blog to know the process: How to do Prana Pratistha of Gemstones?

-Recite the Mantra “Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroom Sah Bhomay Namah” while performing the energization pooja.

-Wear the gemstone daily to get maximum benefits. The stone should touch the skin directly.

-Cleanse the stone after every six months with soap and water. Wear it again, performing the same energization ritual.

-The lifespan of coral stone is 2-3 years. After that, one should buy a new one. This is because it loses its effectiveness.

-Do not wear a broken gemstone, as it influences the energy flow within the stone.

Final Thought

The allure of these red gemstones remains undiminished because of its timeless elegance. This gem tells a story of ancient traditions and contemporary sophistication. Indeed, this red gemstone is a radian measure of the profound connection between nature's wonders and the human spirit. So, we at Navratan celebrate the captivating legacy of these Mangal gemstones with an enduring gemstone collection on our website.