Larimar

Q: What is Larimar?

Larimar is the trade name for a rare pale blue to blue-green variety of pectolite (sodium calcium silicate), found exclusively in a single volcanic deposit in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic. Its distinctive sky-blue to turquoise color, reminiscent of Caribbean waters, is caused by t

Q: What is the hardness of Larimar?

Larimar has a Mohs hardness of 5.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.

Q: How much does Larimar cost?

Larimar falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

Q: What is the crystal system of Larimar?

Larimar belongs to the Triclinic crystal system.

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Found exclusively in a single volcanic deposit in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic, larimar is the trade name for a rare pale blue to blue-green variety of pectolite. Its sky-blue to turquoise color, reminiscent of Caribbean water, comes from copper partially replacing calcium in the mineral, which occurs as white radiating aggregates cut en cabochon. Crystallizing in the triclinic system, it is soft at 5.0 on the Mohs scale. First offered commercially in 1974, it was named by the Dominican Miguel Mendez from his daughter's name Larissa and the Spanish word for sea, mar. This budget-tier semi-precious stone is the national gemstone of the Dominican Republic.

Physical & Optical Properties

Category Semi-Precious Gems

Mohs Hardness 5.0

Specific Gravity 2.74 – 2.9

Refractive Index 1.595 – 1.645

Crystal System Triclinic

Color various

Birefringence 0.032

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 5.0

1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

Value & Market

Price Tier Budget (< $50/ct)

Where to Buy Larimar

Blue Nile Fine jewelry retailer

James Allen Gemstone jewelry

Brilliant Earth Ethically sourced gems

Amazon Wide selection

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About Larimar

Larimar is the trade name for a rare pale blue to blue-green variety of pectolite (sodium calcium silicate), found exclusively in a single volcanic deposit in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic. Its distinctive sky-blue to turquoise color, reminiscent of Caribbean waters, is caused by the partial replacement of calcium by copper, and the mineral occurs as white radiating crystal aggregates cut en cabochon. First described commercially in 1974 and named by Dominican Miguel Méndez from his daughter's name "Larissa" and the Spanish word for sea "mar," larimar has become the national gemstone of the Dominican Republic.