Is it illegal to have black coral?

Is it illegal to have black coral?

Though it is illegal to move black corals across international borders without authorization, as they are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it is still possible to buy them.

Where is black coral from?

Black corals are found in all oceans, but are most common in deep water habitats of tropical and subtropical seas. Some may occur on reef slopes in water as shallow as 3 to over 300 feet (1-110 meters). Others have been recorded from depths up to nearly 20,000 feet (4,000-6,000 meters).

What is black coral made of?

All black corals have a skeleton made of protein and chitin (the same material as an insect skeleton). In addition, black corals do not have symbiotic algae associated with them, and they do not require light which enables them to extend into depths where light is not present.

Is black coral rare?

Actually there are more than 500 species of coral, (antipatharians), but only 150 species of black corals. From Hawaii alone, come 14 species of black coral. But the most rare of all black corals comes from the Western Caribbean off Grand Cayman Island from depths of over 200 feet.

Can I sell black coral?

The US: It is illegal to harvest (with the exception of the highly regulated Hawaiian black corals) or to export any corals from the US . The Lacey Act imposes civil and criminal penalties on a federal level for taking, possessing, transporting, or selling corals (and other wildlife) that have been taken illegally.

Why is black coral expensive?

The former is quite expensive BECAUSE it is deep water and its collection is very very highly controlled.

Why are black corals black?

They’re not stony corals – they grow in complex linear structures resembling trees, bushes or sea fans. The “black” part is the protein-based chitin that comprises the skeletons on which dense colonies of identical, individual polyps reside.

Is coral stone expensive?

Precious coral is not an expensive gemstone and can be found in price ranges to suit all budgets. But if you thought that coral is only used in inexpensive casual jewelry, think again. While the stone itself is not incredibly valuable, you will find expensive coral jewelry on the market on par with the best gemstones.

How much black coral is worth?

When the main trunk is wider, longer, more branches, etc, good solid black color with no problems the price can go upwards of $20. Select pieces that are cut for specific purposes can be worth $2-5. Antipatharian coral of same size and quality can go upwards of several hundreds of dollars.