Larimar is such a beautiful and soothing stone, let’s dive into it!
Background history!
Larimar was first discovered in the Dominican Republic in 1916 by a priest named Miguel Domingo Fuertes de Loren. At the time of discovery, Larimar had no large market value and wasn’t the rare and exquisite stone that it is today. In 1976 Miguel Méndez learned of the stone and worked with a crew to start the extracting process. When mining had began and the stone had been unveiled, Miguel decided to name it “travelina” but later changed it to Larimar as a homage to his daughter. He used the nickname of his daughter Larissa, “lari” and the word “mar” which is sea in Spanish to create Larimar. In 1929 Larimar was classified as a semi precious stone.
Geology facts!
Larimar, which is from underwater volcanic activity and formed about 35 million years ago, is a variety of pectolite that can only be found in the Dominican Republic. A pectolite is a mineral that belongs to a group of silicates. The name comes from the Ancient Greek Pectos which means “to put together well”. Larimar’s chemical formula is NaCa2 Si3 O8 (OH). Larimar has unique volcanic blue coloration, which comes from the result of copper substitution for calcium as well as cobalt. The shades of Larimar can range from white to very pale blue all the way to sea foam green and dark blue; sometimes there is even red! The mineral impurities directly impact the color of Larimar that we see today.
Important information!
In the past before Larimar was named and widely recognized, it was easily found on Bahoruco beach just a few kilometers from the city of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. Fast forward to the present day, the mines on the island are in a mountainous region which is very humid and difficult for miners. Due to the steep access points, slippery terrain and deep mines, the mining conditions of Larimar are dangerous and overworked. Today, the Larimar mines are closed for miner safety after there were two fatal incidents that occurred in the mines. As prices for Larimar increase and amounts of Larimar decrease, let us not forget the lives that were lost due to the mining conditions of this stone.
Kelin Aquino Galván (38) & Josep Valdes (25) were the two souls who tragically lost their lives in the mine just two weeks apart due to lack of miner safety.
Metaphysical properties!
Larimar is a very calming and soothing stone that promotes healing powers, enlightenment and love. This stone also helps for manifestation and gaining peace and clarity after an emotional upheaval. The lightness and calm energy that this stone produces allows us to feel at ease and be more present in the moment. This stone also stimulates our third eye, throat and heart chakras.
Interesting facts:
-Today, Larimar can only be exported out of the Dominican Republic as separate polished pieces.
-The only Larimar on the market has already been mined, and the amount that is out there is all that’s available.
-Ever since 2018, “National Larimar Day” has been celebrated on November 22nd in the Dominican Republic.
-The underground Larimar mine covers about 12 acres of landscape.
-Most of the mining (prior to current times) was done by using pickaxes and shovels.
-The Larimar mines closed in August of 2021.