Coral Rubble

Dead scleractinian skeleton

Markings and exact colorations may vary.

Small, chalky white sticks and lumps of dead coral, the raw material of Keys beaches.

Typical size
0.5–4 in
How often it turns up
Very common in the Keys
Collecting
Protected, do not collect

Living and freshly dead coral is protected in Florida. Beach-worn rubble is usually fine, but many parks prohibit removing any coral.

Handling
Safe to handle

How to tell it apart

  • Chalky white, porous, light
  • Fine pore texture visible up close
  • Often rod or finger shaped

Where to find these in Florida

Beaches rated very good or excellent for rocks. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.

Found one?

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