mineral

Larimar

Pectolite (Blue variety), NaCa2Si3O8(OH)

Hardness: 4.5-5.0 on Mohs scale. Color: Sky-blue, turquoise-blue, white, and green. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.7-2.85.

Hardness: 4
Color: Sky-blue, turquoise-blue, white, and green
Luster: Vitreous to silky

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 4.5-5.0 on Mohs scale. Color: Sky-blue, turquoise-blue, white, and green. Luster: Vitreous to silky. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.7-2.85.

Formation & geological history

Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic. It formed by volcanic activity when hot gas pushed dissolved minerals into volcanic chimneys. Geological age is approximately Miocene (23 to 5 million years ago).

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry (pendants, rings, earrings) and as a highly prized collector's specimen due to its unique color and rarity.

Geological facts

Larimar was rediscovered in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling. The name 'Larimar' is a portmanteau of Méndez's daughter's name 'Larissa' and 'Mar' (the Spanish word for sea). It is often called the 'Dolphin Stone' or the 'Atlantis Stone'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique 'volcanic blue' marbling and white spider-web patterns (schiller effect). It is found exclusively in the Bahoruco mountain range in the Dominican Republic. Collectors should look for deep blues with minimal green or brown staining.