610. Corallium.—Coral.
Botanical name:
610. CORALLIUM.—CORAL. Oculi'na virgi'nea Lamarck. Class, Polypifera; order, Hexacoralla.
HABITAT.—Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
DESCRIPTION.—A hard, calcareous substance produced by coral polypi. The pieces are often branched, presenting a surface more or less porous and striate, and the interior is radiate or hollow.
VARIETIES.—Besides Oculina virginea there are several other species, among which may be mentioned Corallium rubrum, the red coral.
CONSTITUENTS.—Calcium carbonate 83 per cent., animal matter 7 to 8 per cent., magnesium carbonate 3 to 4 per cent., and ferric oxide 4.25 per cent. (in the red coral).
USES.—Antacid. Used in tooth powders. Dose: 5 to 15 gr. (0.3 to 1 Gm.).
