Image source: Michael Roarke
The rare turquoise-blue gemstone
overview
- Naming : The explorer Miguel Méndez created the name Larimar from the name of his daughter Larissa and the Spanish word mar (sea) - the locals initially simply called the gemstone a blue stone.
- Mineral Group: Larimar is a very rare turquoise-blue gemstone that is a variety of the mineral pectolite.
- Color: The color of Larimar varies between white, light blue, green-blue and deep blue.
Because of its color, Larimar can easily be confused with turquoise. - Cut : The beauty of Larimar is best shown off in a cabochon cut.
Quality factors
Color
Larimar comes in shades of white, light blue, green-blue and deep blue. The most sought-after are those that shine in the most intense blue possible.
carat
The carat number is a unit of measurement that indicates the weight of a gemstone. One carat (ct) weighs approximately 0.2 grams. In general, the heavier the gemstone, the more valuable it is. However, the carat number alone does not indicate the value; the color, clarity and cut also play a decisive role.
purity
The blue-white cloudy color is characteristic of Larimar.
cut
Larimar is usually cut into pearls or a cabochon.
The History of Larimar
Miguel Domingo Fuerte Loren discovered Larimar in November 1916, but it was not until 1974 that the gemstone became more widely known. That year, Miguel Méndez and Norman Rilling found it on a beach in the Dominican Republic. They then set out to find the origin of the fascinating gemstone and discovered the Los Chupaderos mine.
Special Larimar
Larimar is considered the national stone in the Dominican Republic.
Special occasions
No special occasions have been assigned to Larimar.
occurrence of Larimar
So far, Larimar has only been found in a single deposit, located in the province of Barahona in the southwest of the Dominican Republic.
jewelry with Larimar
Are you interested in a piece of jewelry with Larimar? We would be happy to create a unique piece of jewelry for you with this special gemstone.
Please feel free to contact us without obligation by phone or via our contact form.
Larimar selection at RENÉSIM
Would you like to buy loose gemstones? At RENÉSIM you can purchase numerous loose gemstones or have them set in a piece of jewelry.
Further articles
Larimar is called
often confused with the turquoise gemstone.
Read more about the turquoise gemstone and its characteristics.
Buy gemstones
Gemstones in the Lexicon
Things to know
