Finger coral is a type of scleractinian coral that forms distinctive, slender branching structures resembling fingers. Collectors look for specimens where the small, star-like polyp pores are well-preserved and clearly visible on the surface. These fossils are common in ancient marine sedimentary environments and are often found agatized or calcified in limestone beds.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossilcommon

Finger Coral

Also: Porites coral

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this finger coral?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch finger coral with a known reference. Finger Coral sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Finger Coral leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Finger Coral typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, tan, brown, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: branching, finger-like colonies.

Often found alongside finger coral

Minerals reported to co-occur with finger coral. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCO₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.5-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Tan Brown Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Branching, Finger-like Colonies
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Decorative, Lapidary
Host rock: Limestone, Sedimentary Marine Deposits
Typical price: $5-50 for small specimens, $100+ for large cleaned coral heads

Where rockhounds find finger coral

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Florida, USA
Bahamas
Caribbean Islands
Red Sea
Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in limestone, sedimentary marine deposits country — that is the host setting where finger coral typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, aragonite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a branching, finger-like colonies habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Florida — start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for finger coral →

Common questions

How do you identify finger coral?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, tan, brown, gray.

Where is finger coral found?+

Notable localities include Florida, USA; Bahamas; Caribbean Islands; Red Sea; Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Can I find finger coral in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 finger coral rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Florida.

How much is finger coral worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for small specimens, $100+ for large cleaned coral heads. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with finger coral?+

Finger Coral commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Aragonite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does finger coral form in?+

Finger Coral typically forms in limestone, sedimentary marine deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is finger coral used for?+

Finger Coral is used in collector, decorative, lapidary.

Find finger coral on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.