Rare bead of Japanese Momo precious coral with perforations caused by the boring-sponge. 1 bead. 20.5mm. b4-cor461

Rare beads of Japanese Momo precious coral perforated and etched by sponges that bore into the coral skeleton. This invasive process occasionally will produce a coral bead with a myriad of tiny perforations that create a unique beauty. These beads are expertly cut and are neither resin impregnated nor dyed. Beads in these large sizes are a real find. These beads should not be confused with sponge coral. They mix beautifully with angel-skin and other precious corals. One bead, 20.5 mm in diameter, salmon coral color, 8.48 grams.

The boring sponge (Cliona Celata) emits an acid that creates little tunnels in the coral which become a habitat for the sponge.

These are vintage coral beads obtained from a collector.