Larimar

Hardness: 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Varies from white, light-blue, sky-blue, to a greenish-blue, often with white streaking or marbling. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Triclinic, but typically found as massive, radiating fibrous aggregates. Cleavage: Perfect on {100}, good on {001}. Specific Gravity: 2.74-2.90.

Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite. It forms in cavities within basaltic lava flows as secondary infillings. The blue coloration is due to the substitution of cobalt for calcium. It is believed to have formed during Miocene volcanic activity (approximately 7-10 million years ago) through hydrothermal processes within volcanic pipes and cavities.

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially in cabochons, beads, and carvings, due to its attractive blue color and unique patterns. It is also collected by mineral enthusiasts.

Its name was given by Miguel Méndez, who combined his daughter's name 'Larissa' and the Spanish word for sea, 'mar', in 1974. It is often referred to as the 'Atlantis Stone' or 'Dolphin Stone' due to its oceanic blue hues and supposed spiritual properties. Larimar's blue color is known to be photosensitive and can fade with prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.

Larimar is primarily found in a single location: the Baoruco mountain range in the Dominican Republic, particularly in the Los Chupaderos mine. To identify it in the field, look for its distinctive sea-blue to sky-blue color, often with white patterns, usually embedded in volcanic rock. Its relatively low hardness (easily scratched by a knife) and fibrous texture in massive forms are also key identifiers. It's often found as tumbled or polished stones in jewelry markets, but raw specimens will show characteristic volcanic host rock association.