Mineral

Larimar

Pectolite (a blue variety of Pectolite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 4
Luster: Silky to sub-vitreous (glassy) when polished

Identified November 30, 2025More 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

Hardness: 4.5-5 on the Mohs scale, relatively soft.; Color: Ranges from light blue, sometimes with white, to greenish-blue and deep azure blue. Often has white streaks or patterns.; Luster: Silky to sub-vitreous (glassy) when polished.; Crystal Structure: Triclinic system, typically massive, forming as aggregates of needle-like or bladed crystals that are intergrown.; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.; Specific Gravity: 2.74-2.88.

Formation & geological history

Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral Pectolite. It forms in cavities within basaltic volcanic rocks. The blue color is due to the presence of manganese within the Pectolite structure. Its formation is related to hydrothermal activity in volcanic rocks, where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures and deposit minerals. Geologically, it is found in relatively young volcanic formations, likely Cenozoic in age.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry due to its striking blue color and unique patterns. It is often cut into cabochons, beads, and carved into ornamental objects. Its relative softness means it is not suitable for industrial use or heavy-wear jewelry.

Geological facts

Larimar is sometimes called the 'Atlantis Stone' or 'Dolphin Stone' due to its oceanic blue color and its discovery in the Caribbean. It was first officially identified in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and named after his daughter Larissa and 'mar', the Spanish word for sea.

Field identification & locations

Larimar is incredibly rare and is currently found in only one location in the world: the Filipinas Mine in the Bahoruco mountain range, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic. In the field, look for distinct sky-blue to sea-green hues within volcanic rock formations. It typically displays a soft, almost wave-like or swirled pattern of blue and white. Its relative softness might be noticeable if you can scratch it with a knife (though this is not recommended for valuable specimens). Its unique color and pattern make it quite distinctive.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate)

Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite

mineral

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining

Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides

mineral

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral