Larimar

Hardness: 4.5-5 on Mohs scale. Color: Ranges from white, light-blue, greenish-blue to deep blue, often with white streaking. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Triclinic, but usually occurs in massive, radiating fibrous aggregates. Specific gravity: 2.7-2.9. No cleavage; exhibits conchoidal fracture.

Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite. It forms in cavities within basaltic volcanic rocks, where hydrothermal solutions have deposited the minerals. The distinctive blue color is due to the substitution of cobalt for calcium. Its formation is associated with volcanic activity and hydrothermal processes, indicating a relatively young geological age, primarily found in Tertiary period basalts.

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, particularly highly prized for its beautiful blue hues reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. It is often cut into cabochons, beads, and carved into ornamental objects. Its uniqueness and beauty make it a popular choice for collectors.

Larimar is sometimes called the 'Atlantis Stone' or 'Dolphin Stone.' It was first formally discovered and reported in 1916 but was lost to memory until its rediscovery in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling. Méndez combined his daughter's name, 'Larissa', with the Spanish word for sea, 'mar', to create 'Larimar'. It is unique to a single location in the Dominican Republic.

Larimar can be identified in the field by its distinctive blue color, often with white mottling, and its fibrous appearance. It is exclusively found in the Los Chupaderos mine in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic. When identifying, look for its characteristic blue shades, often resembling dappled sunlight reflecting through water. Its relatively low hardness means it can be scratched by harder minerals. Collectors should look for specimens with intense blue coloration and good translucency.