What Is Larimar Stone?

Identification

• Larimar stones have a blue color equated with the light, crystal blue of tropical bodies of water. They are often seen with white streaks blended into the blue.

History

• The first documented Larimar stone was discovered by Norman Rilling and Miguel Mendez in 1973. Mendez named the stone after Larissa, his daughter, and "mar," the Spanish word for ̶0;sea.̶1;

Geography

• This stone is found in a very specific region of the Dominican Republic. The majority is located 10 km southwest of Barohona in a region known as ̶0;Los Chupaderas.̶1;

Formation

• Larimar stone is formed when gases push together crystallized minerals up through volcanic vents.

Properties

• Larimar is composed of hydrated sodium calcium silicate, colored by copper. It has a hardness of between 5 and 7 on the Mohs scale and contains a triclinic crystal structure.

Myth and Legend

• The metaphysical properties of Larimar stone are said to allow the bearer to perceive events from many angles as well as enlighten and heal his or her emotional, physical and spiritual selves.