Larimar

Larimar is a vivid sky-blue to turquoise-blue copper-bearing variety of pectolite, found exclusively at one mountain locality on Earth: the Los Chupaderos mine in the Dominican Republic. The unique color comes from copper substitution for calcium and is found nowhere else.

Properties

• Formula: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH) (with Cu substitution)
• Crystal system: Triclinic
• Hardness: 4.5 – 5
• Color: Sky-blue, turquoise-blue, white, with dendritic black manganese oxide patterns
• Streak: White
• Luster: Vitreous to silky
• Cleavage: Perfect on {100} and {001}
• Density: 2.7 – 2.9 g/cm³

Occurrence

Unique locality: Filipinas mine, Los Chupaderos, Barahona, Dominican Republic. Larimar forms in basalt vesicles as the volcanic equivalent of the more widespread sodium-rich pectolite. The blue color is endemic to this single deposit.

Identification

Sky-blue color + Caribbean pedigree + dendritic black inclusions + association with basalt/zeolite host. Distinguish from chrysocolla (more vivid green-blue, lower density) and dyed howlite (uniform color, no dendritic pattern).

Collector Notes

Sold mostly as cabochons set in silver jewelry, especially popular in Caribbean tourism markets and Asian gem markets. The richest “AAA” sky-blue grade from the deepest mine levels commands premium prices.