A lovely quirk of nature

Its white and blue clouded color is reminiscent of the sea and the sky: Larimar, the national stone of the Dominican Republic. For mineralogists, it is a variety of pectolite, a rather rare mineral from the silicate and germanate class.

Pectolites are usually colorless to white. This is precisely what makes larimar so special: its color spectrum ranges from milky light blue to greenish-blue to deep blue. This likely inspired its discoverer, Miguel Méndez, when naming it. He created it from his daughter Larissa's name and the Spanish word "mar" for sea. Another unique feature: this blue variety of pectolite is found worldwide only in the province of Barahona in the Dominican Republic and in Fittà near Soave in Italy. The Dominicans are understandably proud of their beautiful blue gemstone.

It is also considered a stone of power and healing. It is believed to promote inner peace and tranquility, and to support mental growth and creative activity. Whether you believe this or not is up to you – in any case, it is a beautiful gemstone, perfect as a souvenir or a gift for those back home. Ask your tour guide where you can best purchase Larimar jewelry near you.

Unfortunately, counterfeit jewelry is often sold on the beach, in markets, or in souvenir shops, or the blue amber also found on Hispaniola is passed off as larimar. Make sure that at least one side of the larimar is polished. Completely unpolished larimar may not be exported from the Dominican Republic.