1.2. Materials (j): Vidruma (Coral)

This gem is also known as Pravāla. Its origin is assigned to the intestines of the demon Bala. The colour of this gem is red or its different shades. Garuḍapurāṇa^[1] compares its colour with the colour of the blood of hare, Guñjā seeds and Japā flower. This gem is believed to have the power to root out all sorts of fears and poison and also to provide prosperity to the wearer. Kauṭilya^[2] talks about two varieties of this gem, on the basis of the area from where it is originated. They are Ālandaka and Vaivarṇika. Ālandaka is found in the region Alakanda (Alexandria) and Vaivarṇika in Vivarṇa sea near Greece. A coral with the mark of insect bite is considered inferior.