The fossilised coral reef was found during a survey to prepare for the establishment of a global geopark at Ly Son.

The fossilised coral “cemetery" stretches for 500m along the coast of An Hai commune.

The coral masses are varied in shape, mainly appearing in large spirals and concentric circles with unique propellers. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Nam, an expert from the institute, said, "This is a special discovery. In Vietnam as well as in the world, scientists have never found fossilised coral like this. The size of the fossilised coral is very large and distributed in vast quantity in Ly Son’s sea.”

The new discovery will help researchers to carry out in-depth research into the formation of coral reefs and explain the condition of the earth 5,000 years ago.

Also, the new study adds necessary data to request UNESCO to recognise the global geopark at Ly Son and its vicinity. The existing coral fossil samples have been sent abroad for further analysis.

Some of the unique fossilised corals come in the shape of roses and orchids.

The Secretary of Ly Son Island district Party Committee said that local authorities have zoned a protection area for the coral reef to prevent intervention, “We are waiting for the research results and consultancy from experts for solutions to preserve and exploit tourism effectively,” the official said.