Larimar

 

Name: Larimar
Color(s): White to Deep Blue–semi-transparent to opaque blue, mottled with white
Mineral Information: Pectolite with cobalt or blue pectolite
Chemical Make-up: NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
Hardness: 4-1/2 – 5
Where they are found: Dominican Republic
About Stone: Larimar was reportedly discovered in 1916 by Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren, but wasn’t mined until decades later in 1974 when Dominican, Miguel Méndez, and Peace Corps volunteer, Norman Rilling, noticed a piece of larimar on the Barahonas province shoreline. Named for Miguel’s daughter, Larissa, and “mar,” the Spanish word for sea, larimar captures the exquisite beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
To date, the only known major deposits of larimar are found in the Dominican Republic where it was most likely treasured by the area’s first inhabitants, the Taino Indians. The only known major larimar mine is in this remote, mountainous location in the Dominican province of Barahonas where locals still mine the stone from narrow crevices using primitive hand tools. There are some small mines where larimar is found in the United States and Canada.
Zodiac Association: Pisces
Metaphysical Properties: Larimar supports us in the changes to which we are constantly exposed. It softens, enlightens and supports the healing process. It combines our mind and thoughts (elements of air energy) with our heart and emotions (elements of water energy), gathering them into a harmonious whole. Larimar helps us to view events from a different, more positive perspective.