Few stones are as beautiful as Larimar with its caribbean blue-green mottled appearance. But because this stone is mined in only one location, the Dominican Republic, it’s as pricey as it is beautiful. Nonetheless, its high price has not deterred Larimar admirers from purchasing specimens of the rare caribbean beauty. For Larimar enjoys a consistent high demand in the marketplace.
Larimar’s History and Geology
Though Larimar was first discovered by a priest in 1916, it was rediscovered in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling among sedimentary beach gravel near Barahona, Dominican Republic. Moreover, a search revealed the discovered stones originated from an outcropping on a single mountainside of the Bahoruco Mountain Range. And with erosion, pieces rolled down slope and were carried by the Bahoruco River to the Caribbean seashore. This Bahoruco Mountain outcropping later became the Los Chupaderos mine, the most important of Larimar mines.
Larimar is a silicate pectolite mineral containing sodium, calcium, copper, silicon, and oxygen. Moreover, it’s a member of the triclinic crystal system with a 4.5-5 Mohs hardness and its blue coloring is quite rare among pectolites.
And due to its variations of blue-green and creamy white mottled appearance, this stone resembles light dancing on the surface of a Caribbean sea. Consequently, Méndez coined these unique blue stones “Larimar,” combining his daughter Larissa’s name with mar (the spanish word for sea).
Larimar’s Prophesy
But perhaps Larimar had been named the “Atlantis Stone” prior to Méndez’ discovery and naming the stone. For it’s rumored that Edgar Cayce, the American “Sleeping Prophet,” foretold in trance that a beautiful and healing blue stone would be newly discovered among the Caribbean islands.
Moreover, Cayce believed one or more of the Caribbean islands were remnants of the site where the mythical lost continent of Atlantis once stood. And where this stone is ultimately discovered will point to the exact location of the former great civilization of Atlantis.
Buyer Beware of Imitation Larimar
Imitation Larimar can be found in rock shops, jewelry stores, and all over the internet. Therefore, a buyer must practice due diligence to determine if they are purchasing authentic Larimar. First of all, if it isn’t claimed to come from the Dominican republic, it’s a fake. For example “Chinese Larimar” is not authentic Larimar. It’s actually another similar looking stone known as Hemimorphite.
Altered Natural Larimar
Note that wax or epoxy treatments applied to raw natural Larimar should not be confused with altering other stones to imitate Larimar. These treatments stabilize authentic stone pieces to prevent their crumbling with cutting and polishing. Infact, stabilizing treatments made to natural stones are common in creation of cabochons and beads for jewelry.
Additionally, natural Larimar pieces may be dyed to have an overall deeper color. Infact, I’ve come across lower quality Larimar beads dyed deep blue-green to resemble AAA quality Larimar. It’s safe to assume that high quality Larimar would be saved for cabochons for pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets, rather than beads.
Then, there is also reconstituted Larimar on the market. This is a resin matrix of ground up pieces of natural stone to create a solid piece of Larimar. Reconstituted Larimar is sometimes inlaid into jewelry pieces with a mosaic appearance.
Altering Other Stones to Imitate Larimar
Larimar may be faked by dying cheaper stones like Howlite, Quartz, and Amazonite a blue-green color. A tell is often the dye will run when the faked specimen is in contact with water. Moreover, Howlite and Amazonite are opaque like Larimar, but “Larimar Quartz” is translucent like Quartz. Thus, it’s a more obvious fake.
Fake Plastic/Resin/Epoxy Larimar
These are imitation Larimar pieces 100% man-made in a mold with added blue-green color. However, these fakes are easier to spot than the altered stone fakes. For they will feel lighter in the hand than a natural stone. Another tell is the surface of these fakes are too perfectly uniform in pattern. And needless to say these fakes will melt when heated.
Healing Effects of Larimar on the Mind-Body-Spirit
Mental/Emotional Effects of Larimar
Due to Larimar’s calming effect, it’s helpful in soothing nervousness and anxiety. And because it stimulates the Throat Chakra, it enhances communication.
Physical Effects of Larimar
Due to Larimar’s effect on the Throat Chakra, it’s helpful for all kinds of throat ailments, as well as thyroid gland issues. And due to it’s cooling and calming qualities it’s helpful for lowering blood pressure.
Spiritual Effects of Larimar
Larimar helps to calm and quiet the mind enhancing meditation. Moreover, Larimar connects one to the Goddess energies.
Using Larimar – the Rare Caribbean Beauty
Jewelry
Larimar stones have been fashioned into all manner of jewelry pieces mostly set in silver such as, pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. Though less common, Larimar has also been fashioned into beads.
In jewelry pieces, Larimar’s coloring can vary quite a bit from light to dark shades. Not surprisingly, the deeper the color the pricier the piece. Unfortunately, Larimar is photosensitive and needs protection from sun and artificial light to prevent its fading. Thus, it follows that Larimar specimens found in stream beds penetrated by sunlight will be lighter in color than those pulled from inside the mines.
Meditation
Because Larimar calms and quiets the mind, one can reach deeper states of meditation while holding the stone. And when used in meditation, Larimar aids in connecting to Spirit Guides and Angels.
Dreamwork
Larimar’s calming effect helps with insomnia increasing opportunity for dreamwork.
Healing
Larimar laid or worn on the body is helpful for healing the above mentioned Mental/Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual issues. Larimar can also be used in crystal grids for healing work.
Decor
Though uncommon and therefore expensive, Larimar carved objects such as spheres, pyramids, and obelisks make beautifully decorative displays around the home or upon an altar.
Where to Find Larimar
Despite the fact that Larimar comes from only one world source, it’s fairly easy to find. For specimens are sold in Jewelry stores, new age and rock shops, and on the internet. But remember to be careful not to be fooled by fake Larimar.
Final Words for Larimar – the Rare Caribbean Beauty
We are fortunate that the large crystal and gem show, Treasures of the Earth, visits Virginia Beach three times a year. And there are a few vendors in the show who offer a selection of authentic Larimar. Consequently, I’ve been able to purchase beautiful Larimar pendants, earrings, bracelet, and beads from these vendors.
I hope you will consider adding a beautiful Larimar specimen to your crystal or jewelry collection. I know you will cherish it. And I know I will enjoy my own Larimar specimens especially the necklace I created below.
FYI: If you are interested in becoming a certified Crystal Therapist see my Crystal Therapist Certification Home Study Course on my energy healing school website Reiki Essence Institute.
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