Larimar Stone

5–7 minutes
Larimar Stone

“Larimar Stone”

Pronunciation: la-ree-mar

General use: Promoting clear communication from the heart, alleviating stress, and connecting with the divine feminine.

Location: Found exclusively in a single square kilometer in the mountains of Barahona, Dominican Republic.

Time Period: Rediscovered in 1974 by Miguel Méndez, who named it after his daughter (Larissa) and the Spanish word for sea (Mar).

Quick Facts

VarietiesBlue Volcanic Pectolite, Sky Blue Larimar, Volcanic Larimar, Green Larimar (rare)
Chakra AlignmentThroat, Third Eye, and Crown Chakra
AffirmationI flow with the calm of the ocean and express my truth with grace and ease.
Vibration NumberNumber 55
ElementWater and Fire
PlanetNeptune
Zodiac SignLeo and Pisces
BirthstoneNot traditionally assigned
Metaphysical RealmEmotional and Spiritual
BenefitsCalm, Communication, Stress Relief, Emotional Healing, Enlightenment, Peace
CleansingMoonlight, Selenite, or Brief Water Rinse. Avoid long sunlight exposure.
Mineral ClassSilicate (Acid Sodium Calcium Pectolite)
Chemical FormulaNaCa2Si3O8(OH) / NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
Crystal SystemTriclinic
Mohs Hardness4.5 to 5
Primary ColorSky Blue to Deep Caribbean Blue with White Marble patterns
TransparencyTranslucent to Opaque
LustreVitreous to Silky
Refractive Index1.59 to 1.63
Specific Gravity2.74 to 2.90

ART: Master jewelers often cut Larimar into organic, rounded shapes or teardrops to mimic the appearance of sunlight reflecting off the Caribbean sea floor.

HIDDEN TRUTH: Local legends in the Dominican Republic suggest that Larimar originated from the lost city of Atlantis, leading to its nickname, the “Atlantis Stone.”

FACT:Although Larimar is a Pectolite, its unique blue color comes from copper replacing calcium in the crystal structure; most other Pectolites found globally are gray or white.

Did you know?

Did you know that Larimar is one of the only gemstones found in the entire world that is formed within volcanic pipes, created by the cooling of hot gases and mineral-rich fluids?

I. Geological Overview of Larimar Stone

Larimar Stone is a rare blue variety of Pectolite that occurs in basaltic lavas in the Dominican Republic. It forms when copper-rich hydrothermal fluids circulate through cavities and cracks in the volcanic rock, depositing microcrystalline aggregates. Unlike common Pectolite, which is often brittle and white, the presence of copper gives Larimar its distinctive sky-blue hues and durable, compact structure. The intricate white patterns within the stone are caused by the presence of calcite and the way the mineral crystallized within the volcanic host rock.

II. Traditional Applications of Larimar Stone

While the stone was likely known to the indigenous Taino people, it has no long-standing historical record in ancient jewelry due to its recent rediscovery. In modern times, it has become the national stone of the Dominican Republic and is a staple in Caribbean luxury jewelry. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Larimar is highly sought after by metaphysical practitioners for “Dolphin breathing” exercises and vocal therapies, as its frequency is thought to resonate with the sound of the ocean.

Larimar Stone

III. Holistic Properties & Healing Benefits of Larimar Stone

Larimar Stone provides comprehensive holistic benefits by acting as a powerful frequency for emotional cooling and spiritual expansion. It functions across multiple planes:

  • Physical Level: It is believed to assist with throat conditions and cartilage issues, while helping to lower blood pressure and cool fevers or inflammations.
  • Mental Level: It breaks down self-imposed boundaries and helps the user move past self-sabotaging behavior into a state of clear, objective thought.
  • Emotional Level: It acts as a soothing balm for the emotional body, washing away deep-seated fears, resentment, and the trauma of past heartbreaks.
  • Spiritual Level: It serves as a conduit for the divine feminine, enhancing intuition and facilitating contact with angelic realms or ancient Atlantean wisdom

IV. Care and Use of Larimar Stone

Proper care for Larimar Stone involves protecting its color and recognizing its relatively soft 5 Mohs hardness. To maintain the integrity and energy of your specimen:

Larimar Stone

V. History of Larimar Stone

The history of Larimar Stone is relatively modern, beginning with a brief mention in 1916 by a local priest, though the request to mine it was initially denied. It wasn’t until 1974 that Miguel Méndez and a Peace Corps volunteer named Norman Rilling found blue stones on a beach and traced them upstream to the volcanic mountain source. Since then, Larimar has risen to global fame as one of the rarest and most localized gemstones on the planet, with its limited supply and single-source origin making it a highly prized collector’s item.

VI. Crystallography of Larimar Stone

Acicular GrowthThe mineral forms from needle-like crystals that are so tightly packed they create a massive, workable stone.
Copper ChromophoreThe sky-blue color is a direct result of copper ions, which is a mineralogical anomaly for this species.
Triclinic SystemIts crystal structure is based on three unequal axes that all intersect at oblique angles.
Throat EmpowermentIn holistic energy work, the vibration of the stone is used to help one speak their “inner truth.”
Oceanic ResonanceThis link to the water element strengthens the stone’s ability to promote flow and adaptability in life.
Stress DissolutionRooted in its serene patterns, the mineral is used to quiet the “monkey mind” and invite deep relaxation.

Sources & Credits

Sources

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