Gemstone Focus: Larimar

Larimar, also known as "Stefilia's Stone," is a rare gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic. Its beautiful blue color and unique patterns make it a highly sought after gemstone among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

The discovery of larimar is quite interesting. In 1916, a Spanish priest named Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren stumbled upon some blue rocks along the shore of Barahona, a coastal province of the Dominican Republic. He believed that these rocks were of little value, and they remained largely ignored for many years. It wasn't until 1974 that Miguel Mendez, a Dominican Republic-born, American citizen and a member of the Dominican Republic's Peace Corps, re-discovered the stone and named it "Larimar" after his daughter Larissa and the Spanish word for sea, "mar."

Larimar is a form of pectolite, which is a soft mineral composed mainly of calcium and sodium. Its blue color comes from copper impurities, which give it a range of hues from pale blue to turquoise to deep blue. Some larimar stones also have white or gray streaks or patches, which are believed to be the result of calcium carbonate or magnesium silicate.

Larimar has a number of metaphysical properties, and is often used in spiritual practices. It is believed to promote tranquility, peace, and clarity of thought, and to help soothe and calm the emotions. Some people also believe that larimar can help with communication and self-expression, as well as enhance creativity and intuition.

Because larimar is a relatively new gemstone, it is still considered rare and valuable. It is primarily found in the Dominican Republic, but small amounts have also been found in the Bahamas and in some other parts of the world. Due to its unique beauty and metaphysical properties, larimar is becoming increasingly popular among jewelry designers and collectors.

Larimar is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has a unique history and a range of metaphysical properties. Whether you are a collector or simply appreciate its beauty, larimar is a stone that is definitely worth learning more about.