THE GEMSTONE LIBRARY
Larimar
Larimar is the blue variety of pectolite associated with the Dominican Republic. Its pale blue and white patterns make it distinctive among pectolites.
The mineral and its origin
Pectolite is a calcium-sodium silicate, NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH). Gemological research describes Larimar in altered basalt in the Dominican Republic. The blue color has been associated with copper, although the exact color mechanism should not be inferred from appearance alone.
Names that can mislead
Indonesian pink material sometimes sold under the market name “pink Larimar” is a different mineral: published laboratory analysis identifies that material as natrolite. Read about the Indonesian natrolite. Our photographed blue pendants have not been presented here as laboratory-tested specimens.
Sources
GIA · Blue pectolite from the Dominican Republic · GIA · Indonesian pink natrolite
