Larimar

     Larimar is a blue to blue green pectolite that is only found in the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. The white lacy patterns that permeate this stone give  it the look of the sun dappled  Caribbean waters that surround its source. The whiter areas are much softer than the gemmy blue areas, making it a difficult stone to cut and polish. The vibrations of the cutting and polishing equipment can cause the stone to crumble if care is not taken. Thicker stones are easier to cut, but thinner stones used for earrings are very difficult. The deeper blue colors are only found in top grade rough that is 10 times more expensive than lighter material

      Though Larimar was discovered in the early 1900’s, It was popularized and named in the 1970”s. Its name is the combination of  the discoverer’s daughter’s name “Larissa” and the Spanish name for ocean “mar”. Because it is only found in the Caribbean,  cruise lines have promoted it as  a perfect  Caribbean souvenir .