Collection: LARIMAR: The Rare Blue Gem of the Dominican Republican

Larimar, also known as blue pectolite, is an extremely rare gemstone that has been found only in one location: a mountainous, relatively inaccessible area in the province of Barahona in the Dominican Republic 1. The first mention of the stone was in a request to mine Larimar in 1916, but it wasn’t until 1974 that the stone really made an appearance 1. Larimar is formed when hot gases push crystallized minerals up through volcanic ‘tubes’ 1. In order to mine and excavate the stone, miners must identify these tubes and dig deeper and deeper into old volcanoes 1. 

Larimar is used most often to make jewelry but has also been used to make beads, decorative objects, and even handles on cabinets 1. The Caribbean Gem Larimar is considered a healing stone and said to be finely tuned to the human body particularly to the throat area 1. It is said that it increases speech and communication skills and supports the body’s natural healing process 1. Persons believing in this have been known to wear Larimar jewelry or to put pieces of Larimar in their pockets or under their pillows1. 

The word "Larimar" was created by Miguel Méndez, a Dominican who combined his daughter’s name Larissa with the Spanish word for sea, Mar 1. Before Mendez and Norman Rilling, a member of the U.S. Peace Corps, found pieces of Larimar on the seashore in 1974, local inhabitants of the region and their ancestors had long been aware of the stone 1. Early theories suggested Larimar was produced by the sea, later by the earth’s volcanic movements 1. Island legends said that the stones could be collected easily on the beach, but one day there were no more blue Larimar stones left 1. Locals explored upstream and found a rock formation, which appeared to be the source of the blue stone 1. This legend holds truth; Mendez and Rilling in 1974 would follow a river upstream and find sources of the blue stone 1. Most small blocks of Larimar are in situ, meaning they exist in the very place where they formed 1. However, through soil erosion, some pieces broke off and were moved by rainfall down the slopes of the hillsides to rivers. The river deposited them in the Caribbean Sea, and some pieces washed up on the seashore by waves 1. 

Larimar is a beautiful and fascinating gemstone with a rich history and cultural significance. I hope this information helps you learn more about it! 😊 

Source(s) 

1. The Story of Larimar - The Caribbean Gem - Virgin Islands
2. Larimar Healing Properties, Meanings, and Uses - Crystal Vaults
3. Pectolite (Larimar) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

 THE VALUE OF LARIMAR GEMS

The value of Larimar varies depending on its grading and the demand in the market. Larimar jewelry prices range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on factors such as the stone’s quality, the metal used, and the design of the piece 4. According to the International Gem Society, Larimar is a rare gem material, and although it is locally abundant, it is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world 1. The price can vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the stone, as well as its origin 1 2. 

I hope this information helps you! Let US know if you have any other questions. 😊. 

Source(s) 

1. 10 Fascinating Facts About Larimar Benefits - aovcrystals.com
2. Pectolite (Larimar) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
3. Larimar: Complete Guide (2023) | Healing Crystals Co.
4. How Much is Larimar Worth? - Yes Dirt
5. en.wikipedia.org