mineral

Larimar

Pectolite (NaCa2Si3O8(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Soft sky-blue to deep teal blue, white, and sea-green hues with white veining or pattern. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific gravity: 2.74 - 2.88.

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous to silky

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Larimar in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Larimar is an uncommon blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite. It formed during Miocene volcanic activity when hot fluids containing dissolved calcium, sodium, and silicate filled cavities and cavities (vesicles) within basaltic lavas. The unique blue coloration comes from copper substituting for calcium during crystallization.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in fine jewelry (cabochons, rings, pendants, and beads), lapidary carvings, decorative objects, and highly valued by mineral collectors due to its extreme geographical rarity.

Geological facts

Larimar is found in only one single place in the entire world: a remote mountain district in the Barahona province of the Dominican Republic. It is often nicknamed 'The Stefilia's Stone' or 'Dolphin Stone', and its commercial name combines 'Lari' (from Larissa, the daughter of discoverer Miguel Méndez) and 'Mar' (Spanish for sea).

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive sea-blue and white sea-foam patterned streaks in a smooth tumbled or polished finish, associated with volcanic rock matrix. Common locations: Exclusively mined in the Filipinas Mine in Los Chupaderos, Dominican Republic. Tumbled pieces like this are popular entry points for collectors.