Reef Keep is a Heliopora coerulea, or blue ridge coral, crystal skull sculpture. Blue ridge coral is one of only two soft corals that produce a stony skeletal structure, the other being the red to maroon skeleton of Tubipora musica, more commonly referred to as the pipe organ coral. The blue ridge coral skeleton is formed from calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite.

In its natural habitat, Heliopora coerulea, the only member of its family, prefers splash zones and higher current locations, giving rise to the reference of it being a ridge coral. Often it inhabits the edges of reefs where wave action is tumultuous and more severe. It is actually a very hardy coral, but the living specimen is dramatically different than the skeleton, being a much less colorful creamy brown. When the coral polyps are recessed within the skeletal structure, the coral can have a porcelain like appearance, due to a shiny effect of the outer tissue, but as the polyps extend for photosynthesis and feeding opportunities, the overall effect changes to a bushy and softer appearance.

Heliopora coerulea is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region and is a fairly common coral in most places, however due to its preference for shallow water for photosynthesis purposes, it is much more susceptible to ocean acidification caused by runoff pollutants, elevated ocean temperatures, and other detrimental factors that threaten its population.

All of our reefs are in danger: Localized threats to corals include fisheries, human development (industry, settlement, tourism, and transportation), changes in native species dynamics and invasive species (competitors, predators, pathogens and parasites), dynamite fishing, chemical fishing, pollution from agriculture and industry, domestic pollution, sedimentation, and human recreation and tourism activities.

CITES lists Heliopora coerulea as vulnerable. Blue ridge coral is protected in several marine reserves within its habitat range, and being quite adaptable it also lives and grows successfully in aquaria. Collection of wild specimens is controlled and limited. Skullis adheres to these restrictions and offers a few selected carvings made from material we have acquired from responsible suppliers. Though beautiful and desirable, it is not a material we stock on a regular basis.

It is the hope of Skullis that by offering this beautiful Reef Keep sculpture, a sense of responsibility and careful consideration will be inspired in every person to be conscious of the far reaching results of their activities, from the uses of chemicals that may eventually wind up in our oceans to the choices we make regarding our consumption of fossil fuels, the processes involved in growing the foods we purchase, and so on. In this instance, one person can affect the world, for better or for worse. Skullis intends to see our reefs recover from the disease and bleaching issues they now face, and to reestablish and thrive once more, stabilizing the many populations of ocean inhabitants for our own enjoyment now and for that of the future generations to come.

Aragonite promotes discipline and self reliance, self worth, and self confidence, also allowing others to experience dependability. It assists in calming and clearing the mind, provides insight and energy which assist in finding solutions to challenges, and teaches one to think before taking action, reducing tendencies of excessiveness and impulsiveness. By eliciting philosophical and thoughtful contemplation, aragonite enables one to approach daily life with an open heart and mind. Aragonite can also be used to help access past life information.

Physically aragonite has been used for providing energy to the body and exerting positive influences on the nervous system, heart, and brain. It has been used to bring energy to those who experience chronic fatigue. It has been used for skin disorders, utilizing calcium to assist the skeletal structure, mending broken bones, and bringing relief to spinal pain. Aragonite strengthens the connection between the body and the Earth, and is used to bring warmth to chilled areas of the body that may be caused by cold or flu.

Blue aragonite specifically is used to balance polarities and bring calm and clarity to the mind when experiencing stress or anger. It assists in concentration, self discipline, and taking responsibility, and replaces competitive energies with energies and thoughts more oriented toward harmonious cooperation. Blue aragonite deepens feelings of love and protects from stress, helping to avoid becoming stressed when dealing with strong energies, and reducing existing emotional stress.

Blue aragonite has been used to dispel chills, alleviate sleeping disorders, heal wounds and bones, to treat muscle spasms, and to enhance and bring proper function to the immune system.

Blue aragonite is said to reinforce the connections between the chakras. It is associated with the elements of air and water, and is considered to bring prosperity and good fortune. Blue aragonite enhances psychic talents, and facilitates meditation and communication with spiritual guides. It can be used for any ritual involving the earth goddess and for enhancing the energy and intentions of charms and prayers.

Coral symbolizes tact and working together for the greater good through combined action and effort. Coral teaches community, harmony, and cooperation. Coral also symbolizes protection, friendship, balance, and wisdom, as well as passion and all types of love.

Coral enhances creativity, optimism, enthusiasm, intuition, imagination, and visualization, and can stimulate and help develop one’s sense of appreciation of the natural world. Coral enables one to see how an individual complements the greater picture as a vital part of the world as a whole. It also allows for a greater understanding of cause and effect in one’s personal experiences, providing for seeing and comprehending examples of how the energies that one sends out directly relate to the energy that returns from the universe.

Coral is especially helpful during hardship and difficult learning experiences, and conveys the message that this too shall pass. Coral provides endurance and strength to weather the storm, calming the emotions and bringing peace, and encouraging one to accept and adapt to changes gracefully. Coral encourages growth and compassion, and assists one to learn and retain new knowledge.

Coral combines the elemental energies of fire, water, and earth, allowing for the tempering of emotions and for finding peace at all levels of existence. Coral absorbs and filters negative energies and can become a source of positive energy exchange, bringing purification and vitality to the body and the environment. Coral provides connections with the sun and the moon, the ocean, and the earth, and the vast expression of life beings that live in and with the seas. Coral is extremely helpful to focus one’s intentions of healing the Earth and the oceans from the effects of pollutions and global warming.

Coral also acts to connect and harmonize one with plants and animals, and otherworldly, supernatural, and magical energies and beings. It assists one to communicate with these as well as with the spiritual masters of the past. Coral assists in clarifying and speeding communications with these energies, enabling a greater understanding of knowledge received.

Coral can be used to strengthen the skeletal, circulatory, and nervous systems. Coral is used to bring nourishment to the blood cells, to stimulate tissue regeneration, and to protect muscles from atrophy. Coral has been used to treat dis-ease of the spinal and alimentary canals and the thalamus.

Blue coral resonates with the throat and navel chakras, clearing and energizing them as well as actuating the third eye to increase psychic abilities and consciousness of the user. Blue coral encourages success in business and material gain. It is used to enhance communication and help one to understand other people and alternate perspectives.

Blue coral is useful for treating mucus related conditions of the respiratory system and for throat related issues, as well as bringing optimal health to the circulatory system, the pituitary and pineal glands, and the liver.

NOTE: Skullis does not prescribe treatment for medical issues. Skullis offers information for reference to assist with the selection and understanding of crystal skulls, including this blue coral crystal skull sculpture.