Larimar - Gemstone of the CaribbeanLarimar is relatively new compared to many semiprecious gemstones and more importantly, it has only one origin. The Dominican Republic is the only the only source in the world for this beautiful stone. Most people have never even seen this gemstone let alone purchase one; however, while on your Punta Cana vacation you will have the opportunity to do both. This stone has also been called the Atlantis Stone, Dolphin Stone and the Blue Gem of the Caribbean but by far the most common name is Larimar. This stone is a unique variety of Pectolite which is
found in many locations including the United States; however, none have the unique volcanic blue coloration of Larimar.
LARIMAR HISTORYIt is almost certain that the Taino Indians who inhabited the island of Hispaniola prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (see history) had used this stone as ornaments. In 1916 a Spanish priest by the name of Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren of Barahona applied to the Treasury Department for exploration rights but was sent back to Spain before he could exploit the mine. Catholic priest often explored new areas for gold and other minerals when sent as missionaries. The stone was being found on local beaches and polished by local artists but for the most part this stone was lost to the outside world after Miguel’s departure.In 1974 Miguel Mendez, a Dominican and Norman Rilling of the United States Peace Corps found the stone on the beaches and traced it up the Bahoruco river. They found the outcropping in a mountainous area near the city of Barahona. The name Larimar is derived from the name of Miguel Mendez’s daughter Larissa and
the Spanish word for sea (mar) Lari-mar.
THE MINESThe roads to mines, and the remote region, make the journey almost impossible without the use of an off road vehicle. The village creates a feeling as if you have just stepped back in time. The mines are really nothing more than holes dug deep down creating vertical shafts. Modern mining techniques are not used dUe to cost and also to protect the somewhat fragile stone. Villagers have been digging these stones for years and as these mines cut ever deeper into the mountain the more
dangerous it becomes to the miners. During the rainy seasons these mines can become even more unstable and men have lost their lives by being buried alive. Larimar mines require back breaking work, so as you admire this stone you can appreciate the effort it took to get in your hands.
GEOLOGYAs I mentioned , Larimar is a variety of Pectolite which is a Hydrothermal mineral that occurs in Igneous Rock. In other words, Pectolite formed in empty volcanic cavities over time. In the Dominican Republic the minerals that happened to fill some of these cavities formed Larimar. Pectolite is found all over the world just not this blue variety which has a distinctive color due to calcium being replaced by cobalt. This stone is found on the Southwest side of the Dominican Republic. Larimar is typically falls between 5 to 6.5 on the Moes hardness scale.As a reference (in case you skipped that class in school)
* Note the scale is disproportionate, for example a diamond in a grinding test is 90 times harder than Corundum even though they are next to each other on the scale. Quartz and Topaz are next to each other and they are almost the same in hardness. FYI - Emerald is around a 7.5 and Garnet falls in the 6.5 range. This Gemstone has a range of color including sky blue, volcanic blue (very popular) to greenish in color (less popular but very nice looking). If iron is present in the composition you may find Larimar with reddish streaks in it. One more thing you should know, it is photo sensitive which means it will very slowly lose its color over the years so it is best not to leave it lay in your window sill in direct sunlight.
ATLANTIS STONEThere are ancient writings on the topic of the lost city of Atlantis that describe a blue stone with white shades in it. Some of these writings describe the location of Atlantis as being in the Caribbean. I actually did some Scuba diving off of Bimini in the Bahamas and there are very large square and rectangle stones laying in straight line giving the appearance of a road. This formation is referred to as the “Road to Atlantis”. So you can see why many people have accepted Larimar as the Atlantis Stone that is described in these early writings a s being in found in the Caribbean.
"Road to Atlantis"
Photo of stones near Bimini in the Bahamas
HEALING STONEMany people all the way back to native Indians all over the world believe various stones and minerals have healing powers for specific ailments. Healing powers are not my strong point, Amethyst is said to ward off drunkenness…seemed to have little effect on our crew when I gave each one a stone a few years back . Gina is looking for a stone to ward off idiots, which I am sure if she finds one it will be quickly given to me.This stone is said to have a strong influence on physical, psychological and spiritual well being of humans. It is believed to empower humans to communicate with sea creatures and is finely tuned to the human body. It is said that Larimar has a very strong influence on the 5th Chakra (throat and heart region). This stone is claimed to eliminate fears, sufferings and trauma (all of which my crew causes me, I am ordering truck load).
BUYING THIS STONEWhether you are buying this stone for it’s healing power, rareness or just its beauty, Dominican Republic is the place to purchase it. It makes a great gift or souvenir from your Punta Cana Vacation. Like any other stone that is limited, the price will only go up as this stone becomes more scarce. So if your considering getting this Gemstone, now is the time while it is still affordable. Remember to negotiate, the price is much higher for tourist because they know you can afford it. That is true for any purchase in the Caribbean, they will not sell it if they are not going to make money so have fun negotiating.
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