Larimar: Your Perfect Summer Stone

Summer has begun, and the ocean waves are calling! What better way to make a splash than with the perfect seasonal gemstone: beautiful sky-blue Larimar!

Larimar is an incredibly stunning and rare variety of silicate mineral pectolite, found in one location on Earth: a singular deposit in the Dominican Republic! Although technically discovered in 1916 by local priest Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes de Loren, his request to mine for the stone was rejected. Larimar remained unknown to the rest of the world until the 1970s, when a group of geologists, including craftsman Miguel Mendéz, rediscovered the elusive blue stone. 

Upon its official discovery, Mendéz named the gem (now classified as a semi-precious stone) Larimar. Lari comes from his daughter’s name, Larissa, and mar from the Spanish word for sea! Larimar is celebrated as one of the national stones of the Dominican Republic, its mesmerizing pattern said to reflect the tranquil blue waves of the Caribbean Sea. Thanks to its distinct look and natural rarity, Larimar has become a highly coveted stone for people all over the world. Tourists visiting the Dominican Republic often take home a piece of Larimar as a memento of their travels. 

Though it can be found in hues from light green to dark blue, the most popular shade of Larimar is a bright, sky blue, with white veining that evokes the image of tiny tropical waves frozen in time. This color is called “Volcanic Blue,” as a result of its formation in the cavities of volcanic rock. 

Most Larimar jewelry is left untreated, and shaped into smooth cabochons to accentuate their natural beauty. Larimar has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5, but some sources mention a range up to 7 due to varying quality or density. It’s also a photosensitive stone, meaning its appearance can be altered by extended exposure to sunlight. We recommend Larimar for regular use, but treat it gently! 

Larimar is not only prized for its physical beauty, but is believed by many to hold metaphysical properties as well! Often called the “Stone of Serenity,” its resemblance to calming tropical waves is thought to promote tranquility and soothe a worrisome mind. 

Take a mini vacation and shop our Larimar collection for your next summer accessory!