mineral

Larimar (Pectolite)

NaCa2Si3O8(OH)

Hardness: 4.5-5 (Mohs), Color: White to light baby blue with subtle greenish tints, Luster: Vitreous to silky, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.9

Hardness: 4

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 4.5-5 (Mohs), Color: White to light baby blue with subtle greenish tints, Luster: Vitreous to silky, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.9

Formation & geological history

Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic. It formed when volcanic gases pushed hot mineral-rich fluids into cavities in basaltic lava, cooling into fibrous crystal aggregates during the Miocene epoch.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads, pendants) and as a highly sought-after collector\'s mineral due to its unique color and extreme rarity.

Geological facts

It is known as the \'Dolphin Stone\' or \'Atlantis Stone.\' It was rediscovered in 1974 by Miguel Méndez, who named it after his daughter Larissa and the Spanish word for sea (mar). It is the only gemstone found in the entire Caribbean.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive sky-blue color and white marbling that resembles sunlight reflecting through water. It is almost exclusively found in one small mountain range in the Barahona province of the Dominican Republic.