You must’ve known many gemstones that play an integral part in your jewelry, but if you haven’t heard of larimar before, you aren’t alone. Often referred to as the Caribbean gemstone, larimar is a remarkable stone that resembles the blue color of the famed Caribbean Sea. In fact, the Caribbean Sea was once thought to be the source of this exquisite turquoise to teal blue colored gemstone. Although it reflects the inviting waters of the sea, larimar gemstones aren’t actually from the ocean.

Deep within the jungle-clad volcanic mountains of the Dominican Republic is where the only known source of larimar exists.  Larimar got its name from a Peace Corps volunteer in 1974. He combined his daughter’s name “Larissa” with “mar,” the Spanish word for the ocean (because of its blueish color), and named it “Larimar.”

One should consider themselves lucky to own larimar jewelry as this is not a mainstream gemstone and is rare to find. Mined by hand from only one place in the world, this Dominican Republic stone is one of the natures’ rarest treasures. If you are looking to purchase this stunning and eye-catching gemstone but aren’t quite sure about what exactly it is, read on to know everything about larimar stone before you purchase one.

What is larimar?

Also called “Stefilia’s Stone,” larimar is a rare blue variety composed of pectolite (a silicate mineral). Pectolite is an acid silicate hydrate of calcium and sodium that is abundantly found around the world. Although this silicate mineral, pectolite, is easy to find, this particular blue variety of pectolite called larimar stone is extremely rare. It has only one known source in the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Formed in volcanic rocks, this fibrous variety of pectolite has long been a curiosity for several gem collectors. Larimar stone’s compact material and hardness can make wonderful transparent crystals that are tiny and rare. Beautifully faceted cabochons can also be obtained and be used in jewelry. Nicknamed the “Caribbean Gemstone,” owing to its only known source, this gemstone is gradually gaining popularity as a unique jewelry stone.

Where is larimar found?

As the gemstone’s nickname suggests, the principal source of gem-quality pectolite or larimar stone is the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Other similar and related variants of larimar stone are found in various other locations. The Thetford Mines and Asbestos in Quebec, Canada, also produce magnificent prismatic crystals of pectolite that are transparent with colors ranging from white to pale blue-green. Massive jade-like stones, as well as fine-grained pale blue-green materials, are produced in Alaska, United States. Greenland, Morocco, South Africa, United Kingdom, Scotland, Japan, Czech Republic, Russia, and Sweden are a few other sources of pectolite.

The Three C’s of Larimar:

Color: Naturally available in a variety of blue shades from faint to vivid volcanic blue, larimar gets its color during its formation. Larimar’s unique blue color comes from the presence of copper inclusions, which could also be the reason for greenish-blue variations in the stone. As almost all larimar gemstones are bound to contain some swirls of white coloring, it’s hard to find an absolute solid blue variety of larimar. The white coloring is one of the deciding factors of the value of larimar gemstone. With minimal whitish marbling, the vivid blue variety of larimar, also known as volcanic blue larimar, is the most valuable. It’ll fetch high prices. On the other hand, whitish larimar with a very faint blue color, is considered the least valuable.

Clarity: Commonly opaque in appearance, larimar also exhibits patches of translucent material. Although it is possible to find faintly translucent varieties, larimar is mostly opaque and exhibits an attractive silky smooth luster. This gemstone also exhibits clarity with cloud-like patterns as it is usually cut and polished into dome shapes or cabochons.

Cut: With a hardness range of 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale, larimar is a considerably soft gemstone. Its structure consisting of numerous inclusions makes larimar quite tough and suitable to cut into a variety of shapes. Larimar is faceted into cabochons that are customarily pears, circles, rectangles, or ovals. To enhance a particular color scheme or capture a fascinating pattern, larimar is occasionally cut into odd, irregular shapes as well. These gemstones are ideal for making one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.

Larimar chakra relationship:

On a physical level, larimar helps relieve sore throats, tonsillitis, toothache, and coughs. These healing benefits of larimar suggest that it is connected and has a deep association with the Throat Chakra. Proper communication is considered to be vital for any relationship at home or work. With its special association with the throat chakra, larimar allows anyone who possesses it to express their point of view to family and friends clearly and calmly. On the professional front, this gemstone helps you to maintain a good relationship with colleagues and expressively communicate about your needs with your superiors.

Treatments of larimar:

Although some forms of inexpensive white gemstones are sometimes dyed blue to resemble larimar, the gemstones from genuine sources are often in its natural form. While purchasing larimar, watch out for amazonite, which is considerably less valuable and sometimes sold as larimar. Moreover, you must be aware of ‘lab-created larimar,’ which is generally an imitation of the original larimar gemstone made of acrylic-based lab-created substances. One thing to keep in mind is that larimar gemstones are typically unenhanced and untreated. It is recommended to verify with the vendor about the authenticity of the gemstone before purchase.

Larimar stone value:

Depending on its grade, natural larimar stone can be incredibly expensive. Green or red spots, brown splotches, or other colors due to chemical imperfections visible on the surface make it look incredibly beautiful. However, it’s the flawless sea-blue larimar stone that fetches the highest prices. While purchasing larimar, if you come across any price that’s “too good to be true,” then you are not buying natural larimar stone and not dealing with a trusted or genuine jeweler.

Larimar meaning and properties:

Unlike gold, diamond, turquoise, amber, and several other gemstones, which have been used in jewelry for thousands of years, larimar doesn’t have a long history. A relatively new stone with a much shorter history, larimar doesn’t have a lot of crystal power or myths or associated with it. But it is said that this gemstone assists in generating feelings of relaxation and calmness; hence it is also called a ‘worry stone.’ Larimar’s color leads to its connection with water and is considered an ideal stone to control anxiety and emotional issues. The true meaning of larimar can be obtained from its association with the throat chakra, promoting its powers and healing ability, especially when the gemstone is worn as a necklace.

Larimar benefits:

• It is used to promote ease of expression related to emotional concerns and helps communicate effectively.
• Larimar can be helpful for panic attacks, phobias, excess anger, or fear.

Larimar metaphysical properties:

• Larimar is used to enlighten and heal the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the person who possesses it.
• It aids stress-related imbalances.
• Larimar assists in stimulating the throat, heart, third eye, and crown chakras.
• It facilitates outer manifestation and inner wisdom.
• Larimar represents clarity and peace, radiating healing and love energy.

Larimar healing properties:

• Referred to as a silent killer, stress is a major problem in the modern world that leads to many physical illnesses. Larimar helps the whole body holistically, acting as a soothing and calming gemstone that will ease the feeling of stress.
• It can be of great help for women during pregnancy to cope with morning sickness, help fight labor pains during birth, and fend off the possibility of postnatal depression.

Interesting facts about larimar:

• Larimar is the only gemstone found in the Caribbean, apart from amber.
• Known by the trade name larimar, this gemstone has other common names such as Atlantis Stone and Dolphin Stone.
• In the search for larimar, over the past 40 years, a single mountainside called Los Chupaderos is dug by hand with 2000 mining shafts.
• Although larimar is rated 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs hardness scale, the deep blue sections and inclusions on the gemstone can be rated as high as 7.

How to take care of larimar?

Although some pectolite stones, especially larimar, are considered hard gemstones, their hardness range (4.5 to 5) makes it susceptible to scratches. Accidental shocks or mild impacts can fracture or chip a part of the gemstone. It is recommended not to use harsh cleaners or abrasives as these can scratch the surface, thereby degrading its quality. Using a mild liquid soap, warm water, and a soft brush is the suggested way to clean larimar jewelry. Also, never use an ultrasonic cleaner as it can largely damage the gemstone. Ensure that your larimar stone doesn’t come in contact with chemicals present in household detergents, cosmetics, hairsprays, and even perfumes.

Do not wear larimar when engaged in playing sports, swimming, cleaning, and gardening. Larimar is sensitive to light. Hence it is advised to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and other strong sources, as its color can fade with time. Also, it is advised not to store larimar with other jewelry; instead, place it in a fabric-lined jewelry box or simply in a separate soft cloth and store in a cool place.

Larimar Birthstone:

Larimar is not a traditional birthstone or a traditional stone of the Zodiac. But this blue gemstone is considered one of the natural birthstones for those born between 19^th February and 19^th March, the time as the world awaits the vernal equinox and spring. The turquoise variant of larimar is believed to be the natural birthstone of those as spring begins (20^th March to 19^th April).

Where should you buy larimar gemstones?

If you’ve come till here, we’re pretty sure that we’ve turned you into a larimar lover. While reading, have you seen a piece of larimar jewelry that caught your eye and left you awestruck? At GemsforJewels, we offer larimar gemstone of the highest quality. These rare gemstones can be bought as strands, cabochons, and connectors. We also boast a range of different shapes to pick from, including pear, rough, round, and mix-shape. These gemstones are worth it, so don’t pass the opportunity of adding a stunning piece of larimar jewelry to your collection!