Larimar (Pectolite) Facts, Information and Description

Larimar is a rare form of pectolite, which was discovered in the 1970's and is only found in the Dominican Republic.  It has an extraordinary blue appearance similar to the color of the ocean in tropical areas. Hardness varies between 5-7 on the Mohs scale with the darker blue stones ranging closer to 7.

The name "Larimar" comes from a combination of Larissa and Mar and was given to the stone by a Dominican who named the stone after his daughter Larissa and Mar, the Spanish word for sea.

This unique Caribbean gemstone sometimes may be mistaken for turquoise.

Luster: Vitreous to silky
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal System: Triclinic
Fracture: Splintery due to the cleavage
Streak: White.

Folklore, Legend, and Healing Properties:

Its powers are believed to helps us view events from different perspectives, to soften and enlighten, to heal the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual body.

Larimar stimulates the heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras promoting inner wisdom. It represents peace and clarity, healing and love. Larimar is reputed to be helpful for those experiencing stress and anxiety.

more aqua color gemstones

(click to enlarge)

Larimar Jewelry and Cabochons

Larimar ring , other larimar jewelry and a selection of freeform cabochons and rough available for custom jewelry design.

~ back to gemstones and birth stone index

~ back to gemstones facts, descriptions, lore