mineral

Larimar

Blue Pectolite (NaCa2Si3O8(OH))

Hardness: 4.5-5.0 on Mohs scale; Color: sky blue, light blue, to greenish-blue with white cloud-like marbling; Luster: Vitreous to silky; Crystal Structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.7–2.9.

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous to silky

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes where mineral-rich hot water circulated through volcanic cavities in basaltic lava. These deposits in the Dominican Republic date back to the Miocine epoch (approx. 23 million years ago). Its unique blue color is caused by copper substitution for calcium.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in the jewelry industry for cabochons, beads, and silver-set pendants. It is also highly prized by mineral collectors due to its extreme rarity and aesthetic appeal.

Geological facts

Larimar is remarkably rare because it is found in only one location in the entire world: the Filipinas Mine in Los Checheses, Dominican Republic. It was 'discovered' in 1974 by Miguel Méndez, who named it by combining his daughter's name 'Larissa' with the Spanish word for sea, 'mar'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique 'sea-and-sky' patterns and distinct blue-to-white wispy color variations. In the field, look for volcanic rocks with blue veining. For collectors, higher color saturation (deep blue) without red/brown iron staining significantly increases value.