Larimar is a stone that is a pectolite of volcanic origin. It has a unique palette of blue-blue colors. Essentially, the mineral is a calcium and sodium silicate combined with a hydroxyl group. The natural blue color is due to vanadium impurities in the composition. Due to its fine-grained structure, larimar acquires a silky shine.
Larimar is a stone that has a very beautiful appearance.
Larimar - a gem or not
This mineral is semi-precious. Larimar's chemical formula resembles glass. This is what determines its appearance, which explains why larimar is in demand for creating various imitations of precious stones.
It is actively mined in the Dominican Republic and Italy. It should be noted that larimar is extracted exclusively by hand. Deposits of this mineral are also concentrated in the Caribbean states, Alaska and Canada.
Larimar is used to make jewelry. Statues and other commemorative items made from it are in great demand and popularity.
Larimar stone has no practical use, as it is easily damaged mechanically. It is scratched and susceptible to chemicals.
Origin story
Larimar, which is blue in color, can only be found in the Caribbean islands. Sometimes perfectly polished pieces of bluestone are washed up on the seashore. Such a find becomes a real treasure for a tourist.
Larimar and the Legend of Atlantis
The old medium and healer Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) predicted that a mineral of rare beauty and miraculous power would be found on Atlantis. The healer was almost always in a deep trance when he pronounced his prophecies, so when a unique stone was found in the Dominican Republic, it was immediately associated with a civilization that had gone under water.
Blue stone (as larimar is popularly called) is very rare; its deposits have been found in only two mines.
The name comes from the name of the city of Larisa and the sea - Lari i mar (mar). Dominican Miguel Mendez (a local jeweler) rediscovered the mysterious stone in 1974 and, in honor of his discovery, gave it a new name, taking as a basis the first letters of his daughter’s name.
Place of Birth
Blue pectolite “Larimar” is a fairly rare mineral; it is mined in only two mines. The main deposit is located in the province of Barahona, in the vicinity of the Baoruko ridge. In the 80s of the last century, production and processing of the mineral was opened.
Narrow shafts are cut by hand, tunnels are laid deep into the mountain. The artisanal extraction method is very painstaking, but it is not possible to obtain rock containing larimar in any other way. Another treasure location is located in Italy, near Soave, in the province of Verona.
Types and colors of larimar stone
Larimar contains vanadium. This is the reason for the bright and attractive shades of the stone, including pale blue, indigo, aquamarine and milky white. The distribution of colors in the stone is uneven. Areas of deep blue or blue-green contain bright veining.
Each stone has a unique color and unique pattern. Some minerals have a pattern that closely resembles sunlight in water. Others resemble snow-white clouds in a clear sky. When looking at larimar, the illusion is created that it is in motion.
Colors
Larimar stone from the Dominican Republic is popular due to its variety of shades. Each piece is unique thanks to the intricate patterns on the surface. The color of the stone is unevenly distributed: areas of blue-green or deep blue are separated by lighter veins.
The illusion of movement inside the stone is created by shimmer and shimmer. The range of colors and shades is extensive:
- milky white;
- azure;
- baby blue;
- indigo;
- Navy blue;
- greenish blue;
- blue-green.
Sometimes stones of other colors are found: gray, yellowish, whitish, purple, brown, black. Colors and shades appear due to admixtures of chemical elements.
Larimar - appearance and chemical properties
Larimar is a semi-precious mineral and is the only type of pectolite of volcanic origin.
The chemical formula is NaCa2Si3O8(OH), and the composition of the mineral is similar to that of glass. This feature allows the use of glass and inclusions of plastic compounds in the production of artificial larimar.
The gem has a slightly translucent structure, it is not transparent. In a longitudinal section of larimar, attention is drawn to the uneven distribution of color saturation (from light blue to blue-green, milky white) with bright veins.
The depth of color depends on the amount of vanadium in the stone. In some specimens you can find several specks of red or brown.
The pattern of each stone is unique and resembles ripples on water.
Physical properties
Larimar has the following physical properties:
- due to its medium hardness it is easy to work with;
- sensitive to the environment;
- has absolute synthesis;
- when fractured, the edge of the fracture is jagged and rough.
Each stone has its own original design.
Jewelry with mineral
In Santo Domingo there is the Larimar Museum, which displays unique exhibits from this mineral. There is a store on site, which offers a variety of outlandish jewelry, figurines and decorative elements.
Also read: Cubic zirconia - a deceptive luxury created by man and science
“Dominican turquoise” is set mainly in silver, sometimes in white, and even more rarely in yellow gold, since it is least compatible with it. You can buy designer jewelry in any jewelry stores in the country. Tourists who visit the Dominican Republic do not return empty-handed.
It is impossible to deny yourself the pleasure of owning amazing pieces of jewelry. The cost of the work depends on the size and color of the stone, as well as the metal used for the setting.
Those who want to get a product in silver will be surprised at how affordable the price of jewelry is. A ring with a stone costs on average about $20, the price of bracelets varies between $40–45. A jewelry masterpiece in the form of a cabochon costs about $20. Purchasing a wonderful figurine made of larimar, tiny and fits in the palm of your hand, will cost $80–90.
Larimar - healing properties of the stone
Larimar has interesting healing properties. First of all, it is recommended for the treatment of diseases associated with colds. It also helps with diseases of the respiratory system: asthma, bronchitis, etc.
Larimar has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It is recommended for the treatment of heart diseases, arthritis and arthrosis. The mineral normalizes high blood pressure, so it should be worn by people with hypertension .
The gift of Atlantis relieves inflammation that occurs in the body. It also strengthens the defenses. The stone helps to quickly recover from injuries and in the postoperative period.
Larimar has a positive effect on the nervous system. It normalizes unstable emotional states and helps with mental disorders. With this stone a person feels calm and balanced.
This mineral improves blood composition and enhances blood circulation. As a result, the body as a whole begins to function better. The appearance of skin, hair and nails also improves.
Larimar has hemostatic properties. It is recommended to use it on bleeding wounds. This mineral also helps prevent bleeding after childbirth.
For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to wear this stone in the solar plexus area, so it will have a better effect on the body. Wearing it on your hand is ineffective in this case.
Use of mineral in jewelry
Larimar jewelry
When choosing jewelry with larimar, you should not judge it by its shape and smoothness. Due to its malleability during the processing process, the stone can be polished to an almost perfectly round shape. Don't look for unevenness as a sign of authenticity. It is processed using the technique of flat section and cabochon.
In the design of jewelry, the mineral is used once. That is, the product cannot consist of larimar scattering. If you use several stones in one decoration, their natural pattern merges and becomes not as pronounced as with a single option. As a rule, it is used as the main stone for rings and pendants. Occasionally it becomes the dominant decoration for earrings and bracelets.
If the jeweler is familiar with the esoteric properties of the gem, he will try to design it so that the surface of the stone comes into contact with the skin in the solar plexus area or at the base of the neck, that is, in the area of the heart chakra and Vishuddha.
Atlantis products are worn mainly by young and middle-aged people. If we talk about interaction with other stones, then in color they should be combined with the dominant one, that is, have the light of the sea or sky. Aquamarine goes well with larimar. They are not only visually similar, but also carry similar mystical properties. Also, the Dominican mineral goes well with stones:
- turquoise;
- blue agate;
- tanzanite;
- bructite;
- opal
The metal used for frames and chains is silver. It is able to emphasize the natural beauty of the gem without overshadowing it with its beauty. In addition, argentum enhances the magical properties of larimar.
The magical properties of larimar
Larimar stone helps to find harmony with yourself and the world around you. Thanks to this talisman, the person wearing it begins to better understand, first of all, himself - his desires, needs and responsibilities. The realization of your true purpose in this life comes quite clearly. It also helps improve relationships with others.
Larimar protects a person from all negative factors directed against him. In addition, it cleanses the owner’s biofield from previous influences (evil eye and damage).
It improves mood and helps relieve depression and stress. It also allows you to perceive reality in such a way that it is not at all different from what it seems at first glance. Thanks to this mineral, we understand that not everything is as bad as we thought. However, it does not create false illusions, as decorative fossil amber does in some cases.
A person perceives reality as it really is, but realizes that there are no problems that cannot be solved, and instead of becoming depressed, he begins to put everything together. Larimar stone softens the wearer's character. With the help of this stone, you can begin to treat other people with more compassion and understanding.
This mineral attracts love. He helps girls find their soul mate and create a strong family. In addition, the stone protects the family from quarrels and conflicts, as well as from adultery.
Larimar clears a person's consciousness of negative thoughts. This is why this stone is often used for meditation.
The mineral cannot be used for bad purposes. The fact is that it has positive energy and a pure aura, but if it is used, for example, in black magic, it will very quickly become contaminated and the stone will lose its magical properties. In this case, clearing the aura from the stone will be very problematic.
Larimar - who suits you according to your zodiac sign
Blue crystal protects three elements: fire, air, water. Astrologers study the laws of the cosmos, the characteristics of the zodiac signs, the properties of stones, trying to calculate for whom and what is best at the moment and throughout life. As for the blue crystal, they concluded that this stone is ideal for those whose horoscope is dominated by Venus or the Sun.
Despite its positive energy, larimar is not suitable for all zodiac signs, with Libra and Taurus being the best hosts. According to astrologers, this stone can be worn:
- Cancer - can reduce the touchy nature of the sign to create a good mood;
- Sagittarius - helps in family life, strengthens relationships;
- Pisces - will bring joy and harmony to life;
- Aquarius - gives good luck, helps develop intuition and talents;
- Virgo - will draw attention to the positive aspects of the world;
- Larimar protects Libra from the evil eye and gives love;
- Taurus - will help you perceive everything that is not so expressive, protect the family from scandals and clarify relationships;
- Gemini - the talisman will suggest ways to solve important problems;
- Leo - will help in any endeavor, moving things forward.
- Aries and Scorpios They can wear Larimar if they want, but it will not have any effect on them.
What stones should I combine larimar with for maximum protection?
For maximum magical protection and special properties, combine 3-4 stones with larimar that work well together. Stones with blue and green hues are best suited:
Chrysocolla - enhances protection against evil forces;
Turquoise - enhances the ability to resist enemies;
Blue opal - enhances the owner’s magical protection and is used as an amulet;
Phenakite - gives the ability to see prophetic dreams;
Moldavite - develops intuition, there is the ability to foresight;
Aquamarine - creates a strong protective barrier against the evil eye, gossip and damage;
Tibetan tektite - bestows favor from higher powers and brings extraordinary luck.
Precious stones go well together in gold and silver jewelry. Manufacturers combine various minerals in one product, unknowingly creating powerful magical amulets with special properties.
Nature has endowed larimar with truly bewitching beauty, a unique coloring of the sky or sea. The powerful energy of the stone has not been forgotten. Proper use of the mineral, its combination with other magical attributes and pure good thoughts will reveal the potential of the amulet, which will protect a person from all misfortunes.
Larimar and black magic
Larimar carries only positive energy, therefore its use in ritual ceremonies and other actions aimed at the use of black magic is strictly prohibited and simply impossible.
Otherwise, larimar will lose all its magical properties. This is why Atlantis does not attract soulless people, sorcerers and magicians.
Larimar is not a panacea for everything bad and negative that surrounds a person in this world. This stone only helps to reveal and enhance the positive qualities of the person who wears it.
Larimar and creativity
People in creative professions often turn to larimar to prolong or revive inspiration. The stone allows you to take a different look at old, ordinary things and objects, to see something new and unusual in them.
The energy of Larimar is bright, life-sustaining, kind.
Wizards in Haiti did not like this stone - larimar is useless in the famous black magic of voodoo.
Place mineral talismans (especially crafts talismans) in your home. They will protect the family from “discord,” spouses from misunderstandings, and the home from the presence of dark forces. Products made from Atlantic stone harmonize the owner’s aura and neutralize external negativity.
According to some esotericists, larimar is suitable for retailers - the stone will attract customers to your store.
Selection of natural stone, its use and care features
The mineral should be stored in a soft case, away from other jewelry. It must be protected from sunlight to prevent fire. Clean the stone by rinsing it under running water, you can use a soap solution. Wipe the stone with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive or chemically aggressive cleaning agents.
Larimar looks most attractive when framed in silver. Wearing it on your chest will enhance its healing properties. This stone is in great demand, so fakes and imitations are not uncommon. To avoid being deceived by a fake, carefully inspect the stone. The white veins should have an uneven break and smoothly transition into the main color. The name on the label should not contain inverted commas or the words “regenerated” or “pressed.”
Larimar Jewelry
Most often, silver is used for the frame, less often - platinum. Regular gold is rarely used as it is considered to be the least suitable color for lapis lazuli.
Larimar is also used to make bracelets, necklaces and inlays:
- pendants;
- rings;
- pendants;
- earrings.
The color scheme suits many styles and colors of clothing, but age and gender should be taken into account when choosing jewelry. Do not combine with brown clothes - the optimistic marine shade will be drowned out by pessimistic notes. Larimar perfectly highlights blue and dark blue eyes and blond hair.
Examples of successful combinations
A small light blue larimar in a silver ring goes well with jeans and any light jumper or blouse. This option is suitable for a girl or teenager; a large insert in the decoration will add age.
If jewelry is worn every day, sterling silver is ideal, while more expensive platinum or gold are suitable for special occasions.
Men should choose muted shades of Larimar, such as milky white cufflinks on a blue shirt, a large blue stone in a ring, and a beige suit.
Earrings with massive inserts in deep blue color will favorably highlight the image of a mature lady. Wear them with a white dress.
Caring for stone products
Larimar has a medium density, so in order for the product to last a long time, you must follow basic care rules.
- Store in a case or fabric cover to prevent damage from harder stones.
- If dirty, clean with warm water and baby soap.
- After washing, wipe with a soft cloth.
- Each stone has its own characteristic pattern; it should not be stored in direct sunlight. Avoid high temperatures, including hot water.
- It should not be dropped even from a small height.
- Avoid contact with abrasive, alkaline and other aggressive substances.
Larimar jewelry should not be worn while walking in the sun, at the beach or in the pool.
How to care
Larimar is not a very durable mineral, so its care should be as follows:
- Protect from falls and impacts.
- Keep away from direct sunlight (otherwise the stone will fade).
- You need to clean the gem with warm water and a mild detergent (for example, baby soap).
- You need to clean the frame carefully, making sure that the product does not get on the Larimar insert.
- Before cleaning or washing, jewelry must be removed, as the stone becomes dull from household chemicals.
- It is better to store jewelry separately so that the stone does not get scratched.
How to distinguish larimar from fakes
With the growing popularity of the stone, the number of fakes and imitations increases. This is especially true for a mineral that is mined in only a few places in the world.
Knowing the names of its deposits will help you choose a real stone. As mentioned above, it is only mined in the Dominican Republic and Italy. If a sample from another mine is sold, then it is definitely a fake. Natural stone is also characterized by a small production volume, and its price is quite high. However, cheaper samples can be found in the supplier's country.
Minor defects may indicate natural origin. It is also worth carefully studying the assortment - no two designs are alike. Matching colors is a sign of a fake. The color of the mineral may vary in the stone, but it does not have clear divisions, unlike imitations.
When looking for a stone for lithotherapy or meditation, you should take a sample and listen to your inner feelings. This will help you choose the best talisman or amulet. After such a purchase, the stone should be washed with running water to remove extraneous energy.
Larimar stone designs are unique and one of a kind. It is extremely rare to find options with similar waves and the same shine. The color of the mineral resembles the color of the sun reflected on sea waves. The boundaries of each color transition cannot be traced or determined.
When looking at natural stone, the illusion of observing the depths of the sea, the play of colors and light in the water is created. Even highly qualified craftsmen cannot fake such a design.
Each decoration and product made from larimar is accompanied by a special description. The name of the mineral should not be enclosed in inverted commas. If the term “pressed” is present in its description, this means that it is an artificial variety.
It is worth remembering that the price of a natural gemstone is quite significant. If the price seems low, it's a fake.
Price
In terms of color, “volcanic blue” is considered the most valuable. This is how jewelers dubbed the deep blue stones.
Cost of larimar products, thousand rubles:
- figurine of a fish (6x4.5x2 cm) – 27.5;
- ball, 35 mm – 35.7;
- egg, 43x31 – 14.9;
- tumbling, 2–3 cm – 1.4-1.9.
Silver products (925°), thousand rubles:
- earrings – 8.4;
- pendant – 1.8;
- ring – 4.2.
This is the price of factory, mass-produced products. Original works with stones of comparable characteristics are twice as expensive.
Earrings with larimar
When determining the price of a product, the quality of the stone matters. Thus, a bracelet made of pale blue stones costs 2.7, a similar one made of deep blue larimar costs 10.8 thousand rubles.
