LARIMAR GEMSTONE
Larimar is an ancient, rare and stunning Dominican Republic gemstone that exists only in this tiny little niche around the country. A gemstone that is reportedly sacred to peace, harmony and emotional healing greatly loved by collectors, jewelers and spiritualists alike. The only gem that can be mined in the Barahona, it is unique and beautiful, both for jewelry and healing this gem. Larimars, unlike most gemstones where you can tell the difference between two stones set side by side, are distinct; each one´s swirls of blue and white are unique as the gentle heaves of the Caribbean Sea. Its serene vibe, coupled with its own metaphysical properties, it is a crowd favorite for achieving balance and recharging batteries in life.
INTRODUCTION
Larimar is a very unique and beautiful gemstone, representing serene ocean blue like so many shores of the peaceful Caribbean waters. Idyllic blue gemstone of pectolite but what makes this stone special is that it only exists in the Dominican Republic and it is a completely distinctive color. Another name for this mystical and healing ‘Stone of Atlantis’.
Larimar gemstones have slowly been making their way as a prized possession among collectors, jewelry designers and spiritual users owing to lovely appearance and metaphysical uses. Over the years gemstones are becoming more and more appreciated by Ascetics, Jewelry designers and spiritual practitioners as aesthetically their shape is mesmerizing with metaphysical benefits. Its regal foray to rarity, AAA Larimar cabochons are in high demand in the gemstone world and another worth an investment for sure.
HISTORY OF LARIMAR STONE
Larimar is a gemstone that has quite a colorful history dating back to the early 20th century. Its first recorded reference appears in 1916 when a Dominican priest, Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren observed the stone. Yet, there were no substantial mining or commercial movements at the time. It was not until over 40 years later in 1974 that local artisan Miguel Méndez and a Peace Corps volunteer, Norman Rilling rediscovered the stone along the beaches of Barahona province. In 1974 the name Larimar was created by mixing the name of his daughter who is Larissa + Mar, the Spanish word for "sea".
MINING AND MINES OF LARIMAR GEMS
Larimar: the only place where you can find gemstones in different parts of the World Sometimes the most unique and special gems are those that you can only find in one place of the world, like Larimar Stones. The main deposits are in the hilly area of Barahona, where miners dig them out of ancient volcanic beds, painstakingly deep. It is a form of mining where workers tunnel through basalt to dig out the stones that are contained and definitely very labor-intensive.
Larimar mining has to be the most tender process when it comes to carrying the stones for the fear of fracture or damage. The government tightens the reins on the mines, so they operate under use practices that we really can trust as ethical and sustainable. The stones are then carefully cut and polished into beautiful Larimar cabochons ready for the Luster Jewelry-Making, out an opening retail market once they are procured. Due to its limited supply and soaring demand over the last couple years, high-quality gems are still a rare but sought after commodity.
LARIMAR STONE USES AS SPIRITUAL GEMSTONE AND BIRTHSTONE
SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES
Larimar is famous all over the world for its spiritual and healing properties of the gemstone. Per many, one believes that it is very connected to your throat chakra therefore great for communication, the other factor relieves stress, emotional balance; it is apt stone for someone who suffers from anxiety.
Soothing and inner peace while facilitating a way to connect it's a way for a person to communicate with their higher self.
Use it for: cooling and healing energy, it is said this will clear your head and bring peace.
BIRTHSTONE SIGNIFICANCE
Larimar, though not being recognized officially as a traditional birthstone around the world yet it is sometimes associated with the Leo and Pisces zodiac signs. The soothing blue of it relates to water frequency, and may be an excellent gemstone for people wanting to feel more centered and inner peace. This gemstone from the Caribbean is a symbol among many spiritual healers of divine feminine energy, healing compassion, patience and feeling good.
QUALITY, COLOR, AND ETYMOLOGY OF LARIMAR CABOCHONS
Color Variations
Perhaps the biggest identifying factor of this stone is its stunning blue, which ranges from an almost pale sky blue to vibrant turquoise. The highest quality pieces are the ones that are very deep intense blue and almost look white marbled, like ocean waves.
Clarity and Texture
High quality Larimar cabochons have a nice smooth (baked) face with few inclusions or fissures. White streaks or cloud-type motifs make up for the stone’s different note, as we say. Even saturated-blue stones are premium grade gemstones.
Cut and Shape
Larimar is a very soft stone (4.5-5 on the Mohs scale), so it is usually cut into ovals, teardrops, and freeform cabs so as not to lose its natural pattern. Not only is every Larimar cabochon unique, but no piece is ever going to look the same.
LARIMAR CABS USES IN JEWELRY
1. Rings
- Larimar - Setting: Sterling silver, Gold or platinum
- Oval and round gem cabochons are usually incorporated into both statement ring designs or to keep things minimal.
- It is said to relax you and improve both communication in a clear manner (because of Larimar energy calming):
2. Pendants & Necklace
- Larimar necklaces are a gorgeous way to show off this gemstone in its natural state.
- ARTISTIC – Freeform Larimar cabochons are frequently set in hand carved wire wrapped or bezel settings
- Larimar is said to activate the throat chakra when worn as a necklace, helping you speak your truth.
3. Bracelets & Bangles
- Bracelets usually have individual small cabochon or strung together, or a huge single center cabochon.
- Adjustable Wire-Wrapped Bangle Bracelets—My favorite with boho and nature jewelry styles etc.
- An Artisan made silver, white gold or leather Larimar cabs that are both trendy and elegant.
4. Earrings
- A market favorite here; dangle, stud & hoop earrings with larimar cabochons for gemstone lovers.
- Light as the stone and versatile blue colors make this a great blue or everyday piece for formal wear.
- Oval and pear-shaped Larimar cabs are favorites in the drop earring by far.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF LARIMAR GEMSTONE AND CABS
1. How to clean Larimar Gemstones
Mild Soap and Lukewarm Water – You can clean stones with soap and a soft cloth or brush. The stone should be rinsed well with lukewarm water. Be gentle with harsh chemicals, bleach and ultrasonics can scratch the stone. Dry Soft Clothes – Affix a dry soft cloth to the stone after washing so as it can return its original shine naturally.
2. Taking care to store Larimar
Keep it apart – Since this gemstone is a soft stone, you must store it with stones that are softer ones such as diamonds, sapphires, quartz avoiding any higher hardness gem from scratching your “I Love New York” stone.
Store Larimar cabochons in an Elastic pouch or cushioned jewelry box (Soft)
Do not store in direct sunlight Larimar stones will fade, or even crack open due to UV rays over the long term.
3. Taking care of the Larimar
Do Not be too hot – Larimar is moisture sensitive and can easily become discolored or have internal cracks from extreme heat. Do not leave it in direct sunlight for an extended amount of time.
Take off your jewelry while doing physical activities: Doing sports, cleaning the house or lifting things can cause the jeweler to chip or scratch.
4. Re-polishing and Restoration
HOW TO CHECK QUALITY OF GEMSTONE
Here are some of the most important aspects to evaluate when selecting Larimar quality:
Colors & Marbling — Deep Sea Blue is the best color, with white marbling. Pale stones or blueish green stones of greater value.
Clarity & Transparency – Commonly opaque pieces that have a glaucous or glassy silky luster is considered to be of high-quality gemstone.
Shape/Cut: A good quality cut and polish of the cabochon will bring out the natural markings in a stone.
Size & Weight — The size of a stone and vivid intense blue is rare and also way more costly.
Authenticity — Genuine Larimar has the natural patterns and inclusions that man-made bismutite doesn’t possess. Be careful of the dyed or synthetic stones that are similarly looking but not have natural color variations.
Mohs Hardness — Larimar is softer than quartz (Mohs hardness of 4.5-5) and can be scratched effortlessly
COMPARISON CHART: LARIMAR VS OTHER RELEVANT GEMSTONE
CONCLUSION
Larimar is an unusual gemstone, one of those things found only in the ocean blue shades and linked to the spiritual. High-quality cabochons, as more and more people want these in jewelry or metaphysical markets will soon become a precious collector thing. Genuine gemstones, proper care and appropriate sourcing for collectors to source best quality diamonds This is great for every gemstone fan, collectors, jeweler with a real stone!
