Larimar

Hardness: 4.5-5. Color: Light blue, greenish-blue, white. Luster: Silky to glassy. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect on {100} and {001}. Specific gravity: 2.74-2.88.

Formed in cavities within basaltic volcanic rocks from hydrothermal fluids. Found exclusively in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic. Geological age varies, but the host rocks are relatively recent volcanic deposits.

Primary use is in jewelry, often cut into cabochons for rings, pendants, and bracelets. Also highly valued by mineral collectors for its unique color and limited geographic origin.

Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite. It was first 'discovered' in 1916 by Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren, but his request to mine it was rejected. It was rediscovered in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling. Méndez named it after his daughter, Larissa, and the Spanish word for sea, 'mar'.

Identify by its unique sea-blue color and typical white veining/mottling, resembling sunlight dancing under Caribbean waters. Found only in the Dominican Republic. When buying, be cautious of synthetic imitations or dyed materials.