About Larimar
A Rare Treasure of the Dominican Republic
Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite found in only one known region of the world — the mountains of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. Its colors can range from soft sky blue and turquoise to rich Caribbean blue, often with beautiful white patterns that resemble sunlight moving across the sea.
No two pieces of Larimar are exactly alike, making every stone naturally one of a kind.
The Discovery of Larimar
The documented story of Larimar dates back to 1916, when Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren reported the discovery of an unusual blue stone in the Barahona region and sought permission to explore the deposit. The effort did not develop into a mining operation, and the stone remained largely unknown for decades.
Larimar entered its modern history in 1974, when Dominican Miguel Méndez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling became associated with the rediscovery of blue stones near the coast of Barahona.
Water-worn pieces had traveled downstream toward the Caribbean, and exploration eventually led inland toward the source of the stone in the Bahoruco mountains.
How Larimar Got Its Name
The name Larimar was created by Miguel Méndez.
He combined the name of his daughter, Larissa, with “mar,” the Spanish word for sea.
Larissa + Mar = Larimar
The name was especially fitting for a stone whose swirling blues, whites and turquoise colors so closely resemble the Caribbean Sea.
The Larimar Mine
Natural Larimar comes from the Barahona region of the Dominican Republic, where the famous Larimar deposit is located in the Bahoruco mountain range.
The mining area is commonly known as Los Chupaderos.
Unlike gemstones found in many different countries, gem-quality blue Larimar is associated with this remarkably small geographic area. Miners work within the mountainous deposit to locate veins and pockets containing the blue pectolite.
This limited natural source is one of the qualities that makes genuine Larimar so distinctive.
The Atlantis Stone & Dolphin Stone
Over the years, Larimar has gained several romantic nicknames.
It is sometimes called the “Atlantis Stone,” inspired in part by its Caribbean origin, ocean-like appearance and modern legends connecting the stone with the mythical lost civilization of Atlantis.
Larimar is also sometimes known as the “Dolphin Stone,” a name associated with the Caribbean Sea and the peaceful, ocean-inspired symbolism that has developed around the gemstone.
These names are part of the modern folklore surrounding Larimar rather than its scientific or geological history, but they have become an enduring part of the stone's identity.
Metaphysical Traditions
Beyond its natural beauty, Larimar has become popular within crystal and metaphysical traditions.
It is commonly associated with:
- Calm and tranquility
- Inner peace
- Clear communication
- Emotional balance
- Compassion and self-expression
- A connection with the ocean and Caribbean energy
Larimar is also frequently associated with the throat chakra in modern crystal traditions because of its blue coloring and its symbolic connection with communication and self-expression.
These qualities are based on spiritual and metaphysical traditions and should not be interpreted as scientifically established medical or therapeutic effects.
A Piece of the Caribbean
Perhaps what makes Larimar most remarkable is its combination of rarity, history and natural beauty.
Every stone carries its own pattern — from pale blue clouds to deep blue pools and striking white formations — shaped naturally within the mountains of the Dominican Republic.
At Larimar Blues, we photograph the actual piece of jewelry you are purchasing, allowing you to choose the individual Larimar stone and pattern that speaks to you.
Natural Variations
Every piece of Larimar is naturally unique, with its own color, pattern, veining, and character.
At Larimar Blues, the jewelry shown in the product photographs is the exact piece you will receive. We photograph each individual piece so you can see its unique characteristics before making your selection.
We make every effort to represent each piece as accurately as possible. However, slight differences in appearance may occur because of lighting, photography, and individual screen or display settings.