Also known as Blue Pectolite, Larimar is only found on the island of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic. The mine is located in a remote mountainous region and it's unsure quite how much of this rare mineral is left or whether it is even accessible to be mined. As a result few people have ever seen or heard of Larimar and it is unlikely to ever become widespread.
Available in a wide variety of colours varying from gentle greens to the deepest of blues, it is also known as the Gem of the Caribbean, not only because of its source but also because its colours perfectly mimic the variation of the colours of the sea.
The first official record of Larimar was made in 1916 but it's likely that it was known by the Taíno Indians who inhabited the islands for a thousand years before Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World. This record came about when a Spanish missionary was looking for gold and other precious resources which could be traded. Upon finding the mine he requested access to it but this was declined and he was subsequently sent back to Spain. There is no further information on either the mine or the gemstone until the mid 1950's at which time it came to light that the inhabitants of a small fishing village were collecting fragments of a blue gem that was being washed up onto the beach but it took a further 20 years before anyone took enough interest to investigate further. An artist from a nearby village had been using the material for his work and when he needed more than could be found on the beach, he started searching for its source. He subsequently named Larimar after his daughter who's name was LARIssa and also the Spanish word for 'sea' which is MAR.
Highly sought after by crystal healers who value its rarity, it is said to combine the energy of the heavens with the energy of the oceans which means it helps combine our thoughts (air) with our emotions (water). It is associated with the region around the throat so is believed to enhance communication skills and in particular aids communication with sea creatures hence is sometimes referred to as the Dolphin Stone. Highly energetic, Larimar can help to dislodge energy blocks and increase natural energy whilst helping to dispel negative energy and it is also believed to have the ability to draw ones soul mate to the wearer. Larimar can can provide support during times of transformation and change and is a particularly calming gemstone hence bringing those who carry it serenity and peace.
Whilst there is still plenty of low to medium grade material available on the market, fine grade gemstones are rapidly becoming extremely rare and they can also be rather expensive.
Larimar is graded 5 to 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness which makes it ideal for use in jewellery.
Further reading on this rare gemstone can be found here:
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Our collection of Larimar jewellery
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