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, 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 →

More finger coral photos

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.