Getting to Know Larimar: A Gem Profile
Larimar’s actual chemical name is pectolite. This is a common name for a variety of minerals, including sugilite. Larimar is classified as a blue pectolite, with cobalt replacing some calcium in NaCl 2Si 3O 8(OH) chemical formula. Blue pectolite can also be found elsewhere, such as in the U.S.A. and Canada. However, Larimar can only be defined as the pectolite measuring 1 square kilometer in the Dominican Republic. It is the only one with a unique chemical composition and color.
Larimar: How was it discovered
Norman Rilling, a Peace Corps member, and Miguel Mendez, a Dominican man, were the first to discover Larimar in 1974. They were both fascinated by the blue stones found at the beach and decided to follow the Bahoruco River into remote mountain areas in search of the stone’s source. Mendez was honored to name the stone Larimar in honor of his daughter Larissa. mar is Spanish for “sea”. The stone was discovered officially in 1974, but native Dominicans knew about it for many generations.
Larimar mining is hazardous and difficult. The mines are situated in the Dominican Mountains, a heavily wooded area measuring 1/2 mile square. The mines are closed for up to five months each year due to flooding and rains, particularly during hurricane season, when whole mountainsides can be covered in mud. Larimar stone beads are made up of veins that look like fingers. The shaft can be found by the local villagers who have worked in the Larimar mines their entire lives. They will then dig hand-in-hand through the rock to find the stone. Although this type of mining is dangerous, it helps preserve the natural beauty of the rainforest but makes it difficult to transport the mined material.
Larimar’s actual chemical name is pectolite. This is a common name for a variety of minerals, including sugilite. Larimar is classified as a blue pectolite, with cobalt replacing some calcium in NaCl 2Si 3O 8(OH) chemical formula. Blue pectolite can also be found elsewhere, such as in the U.S.A. and Canada. However, Larimar can only be defined as the pectolite measuring 1 square kilometer in the Dominican Republic. It is the only one with a unique chemical composition and color.
Larimar Properties
Larimar, also known as Atlantis Stone, is a result of a prediction made by Edgar Cayce (1877-1945), that a blue-colored stone with excellent healing properties would be discovered in the Caribbean. Many believe Larimar to be the stone Cayce mentioned. Hispaniola, an island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is believed to be a remnant from Atlantis’ sunken city. This gives Larimar even greater magical power. Larimar brings peace and balance between the head and the heart and protection against negative energy. The stone is believed to attract success and one’s “soulmate.”
This larimar cabochon was wrapped in Argentium silverwire by Delores Heiden; cabochon by Darryl Heiden
This larimar cabochon was wrapped in Argentium silverwire by Delores Heiden; cabochon by Darryl Heiden
Larimar has a Mohs hardness of 4.5-5 and should be handled with care. Earrings and pendants are good options for Larimar. You can also make a protective setting to protect the stone if you don’t want a ring. Judy Copeland (wire jewelry artist), shared these instructions from Larimar. “Don’t expose it to too much sunlight or light as it can fade the color. You can restore the color by soaking the stone in water for 24 hours. Judy says that the result was even more stunning.
Larimar does not have a specific grading system, as the color is a personal choice. However, it is available in various colors, from the most common sea blue to deeper greenish-blue and white. Many stones look like Larimar online, but they are faking. They don’t have the transparency, chromatic graining, and depth of natural Larimar stones.
Road trip to Larimar Mines
Road trip! We are heading to the Dominican Republic. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. If you plan to visit the mines, don’t forget your hiking boots! The Larimar Museum is located in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. On the first floor, you will find a gift shop and a small factory that makes jewelry using Larimar or amber. Amber is also found in the Dominican Republic. The second floor is a self-guided tour through Larimar’s past, beginning with a mahogany staircase featuring Larimar inlays.
For the trip to the mines, plan a day. You will start in Barahona and then travel 14 km south on a four-wheel drive until you reach Las Filipinas village. After leaving the main road, you’ll travel about 15 kilometers on a dusty road until you get to Las Cupaderos, near the mines. It is a beautiful area with friendly people. Larimar can be purchased from miners either in dry rough or in jars with water to show its color.
Local companies offer a day trip and lunch and will take you to the mine. After visiting the mine and purchasing some beautiful stones, we could absorb the natural beauty of the rainforest. I only have to dip into the ocean the same color as Larimar and watch the sunset after another day of exploring this rare gem.
Larimar, also known as Atlantis Stone, is a result of a prediction made by Edgar Cayce (1877-1945), that a blue-colored stone with excellent healing properties would be discovered in the Caribbean. Many believe Larimar to be the stone Cayce mentioned. Hispaniola, an island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is believed to be a remnant from Atlantis’ sunken city. This gives Larimar even greater magical power. Larimar brings peace and balance between the head and the heart and protection against negative energy. The stone is believed to attract success and one’s “soulmate.”
This larimar cabochon was wrapped in Argentium silverwire by Delores Heiden; cabochon by Darryl Heiden
Larimar has a Mohs hardness of 4.5-5 and should be handled with care. Earrings and pendants are good options for Larimar. You can also make a protective setting to protect the stone if you don’t want a ring. Judy Copeland (wire jewelry artist), shared these instructions from Larimar. “Don’t expose it to too much sunlight or light as it can fade the color. You can restore the color by soaking the stone in water for 24 hours. Judy says that the result was even more stunning.
Larimar does not have a specific grading system, as the color is a personal choice. However, it is available in various colors, from the most common sea blue to deeper greenish-blue and white. Many stones look like Larimar online, but they are faking. They don’t have the transparency, chromatic graining, and depth of natural Larimar stones.
Road trip to Larimar Mines
Road trip! We are heading to the Dominican Republic. Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen. If you plan to visit the mines, don’t forget your hiking boots! The Larimar Museum is located in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. On the first floor, you will find a gift shop and a small factory that makes jewelry using Larimar or amber. Amber is also found in the Dominican Republic. The second floor is a self-guided tour through Larimar’s past, beginning with a mahogany staircase featuring Larimar inlays.
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