Larimar

Larimar is a unique gemstone from the Dominican Republic. Larimar is a distinctive blue variety of the mineral pectolite, a calcium sodium silicate hydrate, found exclusively in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic. Its striking blue coloration, often interwoven with white patterns, is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other gemstones.

The formation of Larimar is directly linked to the unique volcanic and hydrothermal activity prevalent in its sole known locality. The blue hue is attributed to trace amounts of copper within the mineral's composition, which crystallized within ancient volcanic "pipes" and cavities.

While the gemstone was formally rediscovered and named in 1974 by Miguel Méndez, who combined his daughter Larissa's name with the Spanish word "mar" (sea), historical accounts indicate earlier awareness of a blue stone from the region by a local priest in 1916. It is also called the Atlantis or dolphin stone, from Edgar Cayce's prediction of a blue Caribbean stone. 

The limited geological distribution of Larimar contributes significantly to its rarity and makes its extraction a labor-intensive process.

Larimar exhibits a range of blue tones, from pale sky blue to vibrant turquoise and deeper cerulean, frequently interspersed with white striations. These patterns often resemble oceanic movements or cloud formations, contributing to the gem's unique visual appeal. The most highly valued specimens display an intense, uniform blue with well-defined white patterns.

On the Mohs hardness scale, Larimar registers between 4.5 and 5, indicating a relatively soft consistency. This characteristic necessitates careful handling to prevent scratching or chipping. Its specific gravity typically ranges from 2.74 to 2.88, and its refractive index is approximately 1.595 to 1.635. Larimar is generally translucent to opaque.

Due to its moderate hardness, Larimar requires specific care to preserve its integrity and appearance:

 * Chemical Exposure: Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including household cleaning agents, perfumes, and certain lotions, as these can degrade the stone's surface and color.

 * Cleaning: Clean Larimar jewelry using mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft cloth or brush. Ensure thorough rinsing and complete drying.

 * Physical Impact: Given its susceptibility to scratches and chipping, Larimar is often recommended for jewelry applications with reduced exposure to impact, such as necklaces and earrings, rather than rings or bracelets.

 * Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged direct exposure to sunlight can lead to color fading. Store Larimar jewelry in a cool, dark environment when not in use.

 * Cleaning Methods: Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are not recommended, as they can be detrimental to the gemstone.

The rarity and distinctive appearance of Larimar can lead to the presence of imitations in the market. Authentic Larimar typically exhibits:

 * Unique Patterning: Genuine stones will display natural, non-uniform variations in blue and white patterns.

 * Thermal Properties: Like most natural stones, authentic Larimar will feel cool to the touch.

 * Translucency: High-quality specimens will permit some light transmission, particularly in thinner sections.

 * Pricing: Pricing should reflect the gem's rarity and quality; unusually low prices may indicate a non-authentic product.

To ensure authenticity, it is advisable to purchase Larimar from reputable jewelers who can provide documentation of the stone's origin and characteristics.

References: 

Wikipedia 

The Larimar Shop