THE RARE CARIBBEAN BLUE STONE
Discover the beauty of Larimar
Larimar is a unique blue gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic—right where we’re from. Mined in the heart of the island, each piece is carefully extracted by hand and thoughtfully selected to share with the world. Scroll down to learn more about this rare treasure and how it makes its way from the mountains to your jewelry box.
The only known Larimar deposit in the world is found in Los Chupaderos, about 7 miles northwest of La Ciénaga and just southwest of Barahona, in the southern region of the Dominican Republic. This area is part of a volcanic complex made up mostly of altered porphyritic andesites and basalts, surrounded by thick layers of Eocene limestone that have been fractured due to volcanic activity.
Larimar forms deep within these volcanic rocks, appearing as small, oval-shaped nodules that fill gas cavities created during basalt crystallization. These formations are often concentric, with a center that shows a high concentration of calcium oxide (CaO)—a natural marker of Larimar’s unique mineral makeup.
What is Larimar made of?
Composition
Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite, found only in the Dominican Republic. Unlike most pectolites, Larimar often contains traces of iron and magnesium, reflecting its volcanic origin in basaltic rock. This unique composition gives Larimar its signature hues and sets it apart from other minerals in its class.
Chemical Structure
A detailed chemical analysis shows that Larimar is mainly made up of silica (SiO₂) and calcium oxide (CaO). It also contains smaller amounts of sodium oxide (Na₂O) and water (H₂O). Additional elements—such as iron, magnesium, alum, and potassium—appear only in minor trace amounts as impurities.
Inclusions & Color Variations
One of Larimar’s most fascinating aspects is the presence of rare inclusions. Some pieces feature red dendritic patterns or unusual colorings caused by traces of hematite, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and siliceous minerals. These inclusions create striking patterns and unexpected tones that make each Larimar specimen truly one of a kind.
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.
Explore our most raw and expressive Larimar—refined, unexpected, and one of a kind.
Some 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 Every Piece Matters
After processing rough Larimar, only about 10% is suitable for use in jewelry—making each finished piece incredibly rare, unique, and valuable. That’s part of what makes Larimar so special. Our mission is to share this extraordinary stone—and the craftsmanship of Dominican artisans—with the world. We simply can’t keep it a secret.
The future of Larimar mining is uncertain. Back in 1992, the Dominican Republic’s Mining Department estimated a 25-year lifespan for the Larimar mines. As time goes on, sourcing high-quality Larimar becomes more challenging. If you're ever in the Dominican Republic, we invite you to experience the magic firsthand with a visit to the mines—a full-day adventure through breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local communities. Want to dive deeper? Head to our blog to learn more about this stunning stone and our rich culture.
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!
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