gemstone

Larimar

Pectolite (NaCa2Si3O8(OH))

Hardness of 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale, pale blue to deep turquoise blue color with white or dark marbled patterns, vitreous to silky luster, triclinic crystal system, perfect cleavage in two directions, specific gravity around 2.74 - 2.88.

Identified July 30, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in volcanic cavities (vesicles) when hot hydrothermal fluids rich in calcium, sodium, and silicon reacted with basaltic lava. Found almost exclusively in the Dominican Republic.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, cabochons, and ornamental carvings.

Geological facts

Also known as the 'Atlantis Stone', larimar was discovered in its modern form in 1974 by Norman Rilling and Miguel Mendez, who named it after Mendez's daughter Larissa combined with the Spanish word for sea (mar).

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its characteristic oceanic blue color and white cloud-like patterns resembling sunlight reflecting through Caribbean water. Sourced almost entirely from the Barahona province in the Dominican Republic.