A Rare and Spectacular Mineral Jewel

Geological History

It is among the newest gemstones to have been discovered and catalogued in geological literature. Norman Rilling, a US member of the Peace Corps, and Miguel Mendez, a Dominican, officially discovered the blue pectolite gemstone in 1974. Although pectolite is found in many locations, nowhere else does it have the unique blue coloration of Larimar. The blue color is the result of cobalt substitution for calcium. It only occurs in one square kilometer of a remote mountainous region in the Dominican Republic. Making it one of the rares gems in the world.

Atlantis Stone

Larimar has been called the Atlantis Stone. Psychic Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) predicted the discovery of a blue stone that had Atlantean origins. He said it was to be found on “an island in the Caribbean” and was to have extraordinary healing attributes. Almost 30 years later Larimar was discovered and in metaphysical circles, is purported to increase speech and communication skills as well as support the body’s healing process.

Mining Larimar

Larimar is found in true tubular chimneys on the Earth’s crust. The Domican miners locate the column and mine straight down into the volcano. Their daily lives are strenous and there are many hardships as they accomplish their work with primitive, simple tools.

Jewelry and Grades

Larimar is graded according to it’s coloration. White colored Larimar is considered to be low in quality while intense blue (volcanic blue) is of the highest quality. Larimar also comes with greenish coloration, which is not well regarded by some unless it is an intense green.

Cutting Larimar is also very costly. There is a tremendous loss of material when specific shapes are created. Therefore, a precisely cut bead or a perfectly shaped cabochon or pendant is more expensive than a freeform one.

Larimar in Jewelry

Larimar has a Turquoise look to it, although the color is distinctly bluer. It is most often seen with silver and looks great with pearls and red coral. Like all jewelry, the piece you purchase should be one you truly love, regardless of how others rate or grade it. Ultimately it is you who puts value in stones. Look for something unique, which makes you feel beautiful.

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