Precious corals - Pacific Ocean
Precious corals are a type of deep-sea coral that are highly valued for their beauty and use in jewelry. They belong to the family Coralliidae and are found in various parts of the world. One common misconception is that precious corals are found only in the Pacific Ocean. However, this is not true. Precious corals are actually found in many different regions, including the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Red coral - Mediterranean
Red coral, also known as precious coral or Corallium rubrum, is a species of coral that is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is commonly associated with the coastlines of Italy, Greece, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries. Red coral has been highly prized for centuries for its vibrant red or pink color and its use in jewelry and decorative objects.

Correctly matched
From the given options, both 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Precious corals are indeed found in the Pacific Ocean, along with other regions, and red coral is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - both of them.

Explanation
The question is testing the candidate's knowledge of the distribution of precious corals and red coral. It is important to have accurate information about the geographical locations where these corals are found.

Precious corals are a diverse group of corals that belong to the family Coralliidae. They are typically found in deep-sea habitats, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand feet below the surface. While they are commonly associated with the Pacific Ocean, they can also be found in other regions such as the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Precious corals are known for their vibrant colors, including red, pink, orange, and white, and they are highly valued for their use in jewelry and decorative items.

On the other hand, red coral, or Corallium rubrum, is a specific species of coral that is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is most commonly associated with the coastlines of Italy, Greece, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries. Red coral is highly valued for its deep red or pink color, and it has been used for centuries in jewelry and ornamental objects.

In conclusion, both 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Precious corals can be found in the Pacific Ocean, along with other regions, and red coral is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea.