Description

Larimar, also known as Stefilia’s Stone, Atlantis Stone, and Dolphin Stone, is an extremely rare sodium calcium silicate and a member of the Pectolite family. Pectolite can be found all around the world, but only in shades of grey and white. The soft blue color of Larimar is due to the substitution of copper, instead of calcium1.

This captivating gemstone is primarily composed of calcium, sodium, and hydroxide. Its characteristic blue color ranges from light blue to deep turquoise, often resembling the tranquil waters of the Caribbean. Larimar’s unique volcanic blue hue makes it truly remarkable. It is found exclusively in the Dominican Republic, specifically around the city of Barahona.

The story behind Larimar’s discovery is equally fascinating. In 1974, Miguel Méndez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling stumbled upon Larimar on a beach at the foot of the Bahoruco Mountain Range in Barahona. Natives believed the stone came from the sea, and they called it Blue Stone. Méndez combined his young daughter’s name, Larissa, with the Spanish word for sea (mar) to create the name Larimar, evoking the colors of the Caribbean Sea where it was found. Larimar’s few initial discoveries were alluvial sediment washed into the sea by the Bahoruco River. Further exploration led to the formation of the Los Chupaderos mine.