Larimar (Natural Blue Pectolite)

Item Description

Larimar is a unique and singular gem, found only in the Dominican Republic. The term is actually a trade name given to the natural (untreated) blue Pectolite (a zeolite mineral) that has only been found at the Filipinas Larimar Mine. The actual name "Larimar" is a combination of "Larissa", which was the name of the daughter of Dominican geologist, Miguel Mendez who originally named the material, and "Mar", which is the Spanish word for sea, as it resembles the crystal blue Caribbean Sea. The material is typically massive and opaque, but sometimes you will slightly translucent stones. What's significant about these gems is that Pectolite is typically a white or off-white hue from most localities, and BLUE is an exceptionally rare color for the species. The blue color is said to be due to copper content. They are very popular among collectors, jewelers and dealers due to their durability and alluring color. Here we have an attractive Larimar gem with an "Oval Cabochon" cut and a beautiful blue color, with slight white banding.