Larimar is a stone that has become one of the attractions of the Dominican Republic. Possessing the strongest energy, the mineral attracts the attention of tourists, astrologers, esotericists and even scientists. It fascinates everyone who has ever seen it, so it is not surprising that it is especially popular. The presence of great demand for the gem has given impetus to the mass production and distribution of fakes, which complicates the search for natural specimens.
Origin story
Larimar has an unusual color, which is why it is associated with Atlantis. According to one legend, the pieces of the mineral are fragments of a mythical island, and according to another, this stone was used by the Atlanteans. Because of these versions of its origin, larimar received the name Atlantis or Atlantean stone. The mineral is a type of pectolite, which is why it is sometimes called pectolite jade.
Another name for larimar is delphinium or dolphin stone. It is associated with the legend that through the mineral you can communicate with dolphins.
There is evidence that at the beginning of the 20th century (1914-1916), larimar was discovered by a Catholic priest in Haiti. This find was not documented, so the stone was officially discovered in 1974. This was done by Dominican jeweler Miguel Mendez, who initially mistook the gem for turquoise. Because of this similarity, larimar is also called Haitian or Dominican turquoise.
It was Mendes who gave the name to Larimar. It consists of two syllables - “lar” and “mar”. The first is derived from the name of the jeweler's daughter Larisa, and the second is taken from the Spanish language and means “sea”.
Atlantic stone was previously used by indigenous people to make jewelry. After colonization, the mineral was temporarily forgotten.
Main characteristics
Appearance and chemical properties
Larimar is a semi-precious mineral, being the only type of pectolite of volcanic origin.
The chemical formula is NaCa2Si3O8(OH), the composition of the mineral is similar to glass. This feature makes it possible to use glass and inclusions of plastic compounds in the manufacture of artificial larimar.
The gem has a light translucent structure and is not transparent. In a longitudinal section of larimar, an uneven distribution of color saturation is noticeable (from soft blue to blue-green, milky white) with light veins.
The depth of the gem's shade depends on the amount of vanadium impurities. In some specimens, inclusions of red and brown flowers are occasionally found.
The patterned design of each individual stone is unique, reminiscent of rippling waters.
Physical properties
Larimar has the following physical characteristics:
- medium hardness ensures ease of processing;
- sensitive to environmental influences;
- has absolute cleavage;
- when fractured, the edge of the fracture is uneven and rough.
Facts about the origin of larimar
According to official data, the first Larimar stone was found by jeweler Miguel Mendez in 1974 in the Dominican Republic. Minerals resembling turquoise in appearance were sent for research.
The stone was called “larimar” and is called that to this day.
Larimar has been mentioned in legends since the existence of Atlantis. Its inhabitants often found gems of this type, considering them the remains of a world buried under water, which is why the second name of the stone is Atlantis.
Larimar is also called Dominican turquoise, pectolite jade, and dolphin stone.
Stone deposit
The Dominican Republic, or more precisely, the village of Los Chupaderos in its southwestern part, is not the only deposit of the blue mineral.
Small deposits of pectolite formations have been found in Italy, the Bahamas, and some regions of Canada and Alaska.
To this day, the extraction of the mineral is carried out manually.
Field and production
Industrial production of larimar began soon after its official discovery - in the 80s of the last century. The goal was application in the jewelry industry.
In addition to the Dominican Republic (province of Barahona), larimar is also found in the Italian area of Fitt near Venice. Some sources indicate deposits of the mineral in Northern Canada, the Bahamas, and Alaska.
Mineral extraction is carried out in mines. This is completely handmade without the use of technology. Miners use pickaxes the old fashioned way.
Varieties and colors of the mineral
Larimar comes in different shades:
- cloudy white or milky - this is only part of the found piece of mineral, which necessarily had a blue tint;
- light blue;
- greenish blue;
- Navy blue.
The color of the stone is uneven. During the formation of the rock, the color may change due to volcanic action.
The stone may have red and brown inclusions. Material with such features is used for inexpensive beads and crafts.
Price range
Larimar, characterized by its rich blue color, is considered especially valuable. This gem is called “volcanic blue”. But more often lighter stones are used in jewelry.
Depending on the depth of color, pattern, size and processing technique of the gem, the price can vary from a few dollars to several thousand.
So, for example, a buyer will pay about $7 for a bead up to 1 cm. Earrings made of silver with larimar will be valued at no less than $500. A stone in the form of a pendant will cost the buyer approximately $150.
Physical properties
Larimar is of volcanic origin. The composition contains an admixture of vanadium, which is why the mineral always has a bluish tint. The color range is blue-green; the rock is never completely transparent; there are white veins in its thickness.
The gem has a high density - 2.85-2.9 g/cm3. At the same time, the mineral is fragile and not resistant to temperature influences. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 5.5-6. The breed has a micro-grained texture that provides a silky shine.
The stone is uneven at the break. It is capable of transmitting color and fades under the sun.
Magic properties
Larimar has a special magic. Atlantic stone provides its owner with the following properties:
- finding harmony with the outside world, establishing relationships with it;
- understanding yourself - your desires and needs, responsibilities and purpose in life;
- softening character, showing understanding and empathy for others;
- protection from evil;
- cleansing the biofield from damage and the evil eye;
- improving mood, relieving depression;
- getting rid of fears.
Larimar is a real magnet for love. The stone will help you find your other half and build a strong family. Married couples should also pay attention to the mineral - it is a talisman against betrayal and quarrels. You need to put a larimar figurine at home so that the family becomes stronger.
Larimar is suitable for meditation. It has positive energy and a clean aura, but it quickly becomes polluted when the gem is used in black magic. It is very difficult to clean it; the stone may lose its magic.
Creative people should pay attention to this gem. Such a talisman will give inspiration and help direct energy in the right direction. The mineral is especially suitable for people who sing. You need to keep it as close to your throat as possible, so it is better to buy a necklace with larimar.
If you choose Atlantis as a talisman, then first you need to hold it in your hand. The warmth emanating from the gem is a favorable sign. After purchasing the stone, you need to hold it under running water so that the foreign energy goes away.
The talisman can be a decoration made of larimar. The magic mineral can be put in your pocket or bag.
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.
Medicinal properties
The attractiveness of larimar lies not only in its special magic, but also in its healing properties. The mineral helps with the following problems:
- colds;
- respiratory tract pathologies – asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia;
- arthritis and arthrosis;
- heart diseases;
- hypertension;
- inflammatory processes in the body.
Atlantic stone has a positive effect on the nervous system. When wearing it, the emotional background stabilizes, the person becomes calmer and more peaceful. The mineral will help with mental disorders.
When wearing larimar, blood circulation increases and blood composition normalizes. This improves skin, hair, and nails.
Atlantic stone improves immunity. The mineral can be used effectively after injuries and surgeries to speed up recovery.
Helpful information
Larimar has the remarkable property of stopping bleeding. The mineral must be applied to the affected areas. Women are advised to wear this gem during pregnancy to protect themselves from uterine bleeding.
It is important to wear the Atlantean stone correctly so that its healing properties are fully realized. The mineral should be placed as close as possible to the diseased part of the body. It is better to use a gem in a silver frame. Periodically it needs to be immersed in running water to clean it.
Healing properties of “Haitian turquoise”
Lithotherapists believe that larimar has a number of medicinal and healing qualities:
- normalizes body temperature;
- reduces the risk of inflammation in the respiratory system: throat, bronchi, lungs;
- helps with bronchitis, colds, flu;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- acts as a stimulant of the cardiovascular system, helping with hypertension and atherosclerosis;
- improves blood circulation in the human body;
- removes swelling;
- promotes rapid healing of wounds;
- during pregnancy, protects against intrauterine bleeding;
- reduces the risk of premature birth and miscarriages;
- improves psycho-emotional state;
- increases the body's protective functions.
Shamans quite often used “Haitian turquoise” in the form of a powder, which was poured into a cut on the body near the diseased organ. This method helped get rid of inflammation of internal organs.
Touching larimar during the rehabilitation period after surgery has a beneficial effect on the patient's condition.
Larimar and the signs of the Zodiac
Larimar is a beautiful and mysterious stone. This is a great talisman, but before using it in this capacity you need to make sure of zodiac compatibility:
- Atlantic stone is ideal for Taurus and Libra;
- Larimar can be worn by Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
Taurus and Libra can safely choose an Atlantic stone and wear it as a talisman. The mineral will protect these signs from evil and black magic, give peace, help you find love and save your family.
For Aries and Scorpios, larimar is not suitable as a talisman, but can be used as decoration. The mineral does not have a negative effect; it is neutral to these signs.
The rest of the zodiac signs can wear the Atlantean stone as jewelry and a talisman. It will not fully demonstrate its magical properties, but it will have a positive effect.
Jewelry with larimar
Atlantic stone is used for various decorations. Necklaces, pendants, and beads of various shapes are made around the neck.
Larimar lends itself well to polishing, which is why cabochons are a common way of processing. Silver is usually used as a setting for Atlantic stone; in it, the mineral looks more harmonious, and its healing and magical properties are enhanced. Larimar is also set in gold, but this noble metal makes Atlantis heavier.
Larimar in light shades is preferred for single decorations. A small pendant in a silver frame can be purchased from $150. The cost of the product is influenced by the size of the stone, the metal of the frame, and the cutting method.
Larimar resembles the sea, which is why it is often used for themed decorations. They are made in the form of dolphins, fish, turtles, starfish, and shells.
Name compatibility
Who is suitable for “personalized” larimar:
- Yuri (born under the constellation Aquarius) will get rid of aggression and become more balanced if he wears a silver ring with Atlantis.
- Leonid (especially Leo) will learn to make informed decisions with the help of a ring with larimar. He has a lot of courage, but his impulsiveness makes it difficult to concentrate on achieving his goal.
- With the help of a pendant with Atlantis, Svetlana (ideally Libra) will learn to restrain her emotions and objectively assess the situation.
- Marina (especially a born Pisces) will definitely make friends with a sea stone, which will help her unleash her rich creative potential.
- Olga (ideally Cancer) will get rid of complexes and doubts with the help of a pendant with larimar.
If your name stone is Larimar, use it to gain peace of mind. Possessing a unique ability to harmonize the space around itself, such a talisman will take you from a noisy city to a paradise island, even if you are sitting in the office.
Stone storage and care
Atlantis must be treated with care. It is important to exclude the following factors:
- prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
- chemical substances;
- salty water;
- abrasives;
- exposure to high temperatures - you cannot visit baths and saunas wearing jewelry made of Atlantic stone.
Jewelry containing larimar should be stored in a dry and shaded place. They should be kept separate from other products to prevent scratches and other damage. Isolated storage of the mineral is also recommended to preserve its energy and magical properties.
The stone should be washed with clean water. If possible, take it from a spring or mountain spring. It is allowed to use neutral soap for cleansing. Use fleece or microfiber for cleaning. After contact with water, wipe the stone dry, and only then put it away for storage.
Where is larimar used?
Areas of application of the mineral are jewelry making and decorative and applied arts.
Ring with larimar
Gemologists classify it as semi-precious or ornamental:
- It polishes well, imitating the surface of the sea. Therefore, flat cabochon inserts look most impressive in jewelry.
- A full range of products are made from the mineral. Its color scheme is combined with a white frame. More often this silver, gold or platinum is used in custom-made products.
- The most valuable for jewelers are blue, bluish or greenish specimens with veins.
The second segment is mascot figures and small plastic items.
How to spot a fake
Artificial larimar is often found. Atlantean stone is usually passed off as glass. Before purchasing, you need to consider the following factors:
- Origin. Larimar is mined in the Dominican Republic and Italy; other geographical names are a worrying sign.
- Price. Atlantic stone is mined manually in mines; there are few deposits, so it cannot be cheap.
- Drawing and color. Each gem has a unique pattern, and the color is uneven. Nature does not make repetitions. The transition of colors with a clear boundary and the absence of spreading rays indicates a fake.
You should buy larimar jewelry in trusted stores. The seller must have documents that indicate the birthplace of the stone. Its name must be without quotation marks.
Real larimar is very hard. Pressing and restoration are not applied to it.
Who is Larimar suitable for?
The breadth of the range makes Dominican stone suitable for many people and for many reasons:
- Silver jewelry with a light miniature stone is suitable for a teenage girl or a young girl.
- Larger inserts and deeper colors will decorate a more mature lady.
- Silver is harmonious in the office or on a walk. Gold or platinum is an attribute of evening receptions or special events.
- For the men's assortment (ring, tie clip, cufflinks), muted pieces of different colors are appropriate.
Dominican blue or blue stone is an ideal choice for blue-eyed or blue-eyed people.
Bracelet with larimar
An exclusive choice would be choosing an outfit or clutch bag that exactly matches the color scheme of the stone.
Interesting facts about the stone
Larimar attracts with legends about its origin and connection with Atlantis. There are other interesting facts:
- Atlantic stone is popular among Haitian healers. They treat some diseases by making incisions on the skin and rubbing crushed mineral with various additives into them. They say that such treatment leaves scars, but the disease overcomes.
- The positive energy of Atlantis is enhanced when exposed to bright moonlight. You need to keep the stone under it for some time.
- Positive effect on larimar and night wind. It should be southern and warm.
- The origin of the Atlantic stone is associated with the Miocene period (2-23 million years ago). Hot lava penetrated into rock fractures, absorbing various elements.
- In Santo Domingo (capital of the Dominican Republic) there is a Larimar Museum. In it you can learn everything about this gem and admire its unique specimens. There is a jewelry store in the building where you can purchase products with larimar - the quality and naturalness of the stone are guaranteed.
Larimar is a beautiful stone with an interesting history. It was discovered relatively recently, so not all people know it. The mineral has magical and healing properties, and any sign of the zodiac can wear it - it is ideal for some, and neutral for others.
