Gorgonian is a type of coral with a treelike branching form. The coral is formed by individual polyps (water animals) that can withdraw inside a horny covering called gorgonian. Gorgonians have a central skeleton of calcium carbonate. The internal skeletons of gorgonians, known as precious corals, are used in jewelry. Polishing the skeletons brings out beautiful red, rose, or pink colors. People collecting precious corals have caused their disappearance from some areas of the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Soft corals, including dead man’s fingers and sea pens, are related to gorgonian corals.
See also Coral; Coral reef.
