Description and Characteristics
Larimar is a rare variety of pectolite distinguished by its unique sky-blue color. Unlike common pectolite, which is gray or white and found in many locations, Larimar is only found in one volcanic deposit in the Dominican Republic. Its blue color is due to the substitution of calcium by copper in its chemical structure. It is characterized by a pattern of white and blue spots that resemble the movement of sunlight under the waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is a sodium calcium silicate often found associated with hematite (red spots) or calcite (white veins).
| Chemical Formula | $$NaCa_2(Si_3O_8)(OH)$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Subvitreous, silky |
| Streak | White |
| Fracture | Uneven to splintery |
| Cleavage | Perfect in two directions |
| Hardness | 4,5-5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
Did you know...?
Its name is a combination of "Lari" (after Larissa, the daughter of Miguel Méndez, who rediscovered the stone in 1974) and "Mar" (Spanish for "Sea," after the blue color of the Caribbean). The prophet Edgar Cayce predicted decades earlier that a blue stone with healing properties would be found on a "lost island in the Atlantic" (referencing Atlantis), which is why it is also known as the "Atlantis Stone." It is a photosensitive stone; like kunzite, its blue color can fade if exposed too long to intense sunlight or extreme heat.
New-Age Properties
Larimar is known as the "stone of inner peace" and serenity. It is deeply linked to the throat chakra, facilitating clear communication and the expression of truth from the heart. It is said to combine the energy of the sky and the sea, helping to balance emotions and calm the temper. It is an excellent stone for dispelling fears, phobias, and accumulated stress, bringing a sense of freedom and deep relaxation. Spiritually, it is used to connect with feminine energy and to raise consciousness, allowing the wearer to flow harmoniously with life's changes.