There is not a lot of coral field collectors here Liz. You and I may be the show. You being a hale and hearty kayaker is key to collecting coral.
Coral is basically an agate. More like petrified wood, except it is petrified coral.
No matter, it is still a fine lapidary material for making cabochons and tumbled rocks out of.
Certainly fine specimens. World class botryoidal specimens. The two above are called botryoidal, with the booby formations for a lack of better word.
I traded with Arlen
radio . A member here. A bunch of botryoidal pieces and look what he made for my wife OMG
I have traded coral for cabs made. These are a few
www.flickr.com/photos/67205364@N06/sets/72157634810917906I think you will want to consider getting a 14 inch lapidary saw eventually as a starter saw.
You may think about a rock tumbler. Coral is fun rock for the tumbler.
Rock clubs in your area of course.