Larimar
What is Larimar?
Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic. Its color varies from white, light blue, green-blue to deep blue. Larimar is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique blue color and oceanic patterns.
Larimar is a rare gemstone that comes in shades of blue reminiscent of the sea. Its unique appearance and color make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially rings and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate |
| Color | Ranges from light blue to deep blue, often with white, grey, or greenish patterns. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Silky to vitreous. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Occurrence | Dominican Republic (it's the only known source). |
| Formation | Found in cavities within basaltic lava formations. |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 4.5 to 5 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.74 - 2.99 |
| Diagnostic Properties | Blue to greenish-blue, often with white patterns. |
| Chemical Composition | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| Pleochroism | Not observed in larimar. |
| Crystal System | Triclinic (variety of Pectolite) |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive Index | 1.600 - 1.650 |
| Birefringence | 0.03 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 85° to 90° |
| Dispersion | Not typically noted for its dispersion. |