THE RARE CARRIBBEAN BLUE STONE
Discover more about Larimar
Larimar is a blue stone that comes from the Dominican Republic. Check out below to know more about it and how we extract it so that we can bring it to you!
The currently known Larimar deposit is located in Los Chupaderos, about 7 miles northwest of La Cienega and 10 kilometers southwest of Barahona, in the South of the Dominican Republic..
This vessel is a basic volcanic complex, consisting mainly of porphyritic andesites and basalts intensely altered, at least in the area of outcrop and surrounded by thick beds of Eocene limestone which have been strongly brecciate, product of upward movement of the volcanic complex.
The Larimar occurs in the form of small concretions that fill cavities produced by the exhaust gas at the time of basalt crystallization. These concretions generally tend to be oval and concentric, with a nucleus often targeted due to the concentration of calcium oxide (CaO).
What is Larimar Stone made of
The Larimar with impurities of rocks has a high content of iron and magnesium ferromagnesian showing the character of the rock that holds the Larimar, which is not usual in minerals from this category, but common in basic rocks such as basalt.
A quantitative chemical analysis clearly shows that the essential constituents of Larimar are silica and calcium oxide, with sodium oxide and water as secondary elements. At the same time, iron, magnesium, alum, and potassium appear only in the form of impurities.
As rareness appears, the red dendrites inclusions, among the different minerals in the Larimar stone are iron, hematite, magnesium, phosphor, siliceous, and copper. Due to this, Larimar Specimens are very intriguing with rare colorings, patterns, completely different from the traditional Larimar colors.
THE NAME
Where does the name "Larimar" come from?
"Piedra Azul", meaning Blue Stone, is the first name this unique blue pectolite received from the locals of Barahona. When this Atlantis Stone, as many like to call it, was rediscovered by Miguel Mendez in the Dominican Republic, and Norman Rilling, a Peace Corps Volunteer from the USA, in 1974 it is given the new name of Larimar.
Larimar comes from the combination of Mendez's daughter Larissa and the word Mar, meaning sea.
One stone. Many personalities.
This Caribbean marvel is not only blue. The other colors of Larimar are greenish-blue hues, also gray and white speckles, all appearing in some breathtaking patterns. Fascinating Larimar specimens makes you marvel! These stones have impurities, hematite, copper, calcite mixed with Larimar blue and blue-green shades, pure nature's art.
View CollectionSome Larimar facts!
Larimar Beads are the most costly product, especially deep blue beads. The production of these handmade beads represents a huge waste of Larimar stone, for this reason only a few local artisans make these.
No official quality standards are available; miners, vendors define the qualities according to their own criteria.
Long exposure of the Larimar stone to the sun or electric light will make the blue color lighter.
Contrary to what might be said, translucent Larimar stone is considered to be gem quality
Does Larimar Imitation jewelry exist?
Especially on the internet, false Larimar jewelry is offered at a lower price than authentic Larimar. For this reason, we recommend buying from a reliable source or from websites located in the Dominican Republic. Finally, learning more about Larimar will help you admire and love this stone. Timeless Larimar jewelry, handcrafted by skilled Dominican artisans, with top, best quality Larimar is to be treasured.
WHY IT IS SO PRECIOUS
After processing the rough Larimar stone, approximately only 10% is left for jewelry.
This is why every piece is incredibly unique and valuable. Our mission is to make this amazing stone and the work of the talented Dominican artisans known to the world. We can't keep this secret!
It is uncertain how long the Larimar mines will be productive.The supply of good quality Larimar will become more difficult every time. Back in 1992, the Mining Department of the Dominican Republic calculated a 25 years lifetime for our Larimar mines.
We invite you to visit our country and the Larimar mines. This is a full day trip but very exciting, where you will see beautiful landscapes and beautiful people.
You can also visit our blog for more information about this stunning stone and our rich culture!