Laimar

Larimar, also called "Stefilia's Stone", is a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral

Larimar Jewelry - EthanAdeline

pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue. 

The only known source of blue Larimar is the Filipinas Mine in Los Checheses, located in the Dominican Republic. Larimar deposits surface as hot gasses push crystallized minerals up through the volcanic chimneys or tubes. In most cases, miners must dig deep into the volcanic tubes in search of deposits, but in some cases, it may also be found as sediment on the shores of the Caribbean, washed up as alluvial deposits carried down by the Bahoruco River

Color: Blue, Green    Hardness (Mohs hardness scale): 4.5 – 5
Larimar Blue Green Color Jewelry -EthanAdelineWith colors ranging from white to various shades of blue, pectolite from the Dominican Republic is the loveliest in the world. Traces of copper contribute to this blue coloration. The finest stones are dark blue and translucent, but sky blue specimens with cloud-like patterns are also highly prized.  

 

History
The history of Larimar is based on many legends and stories. Although Larimar is commercially a relatively new gemstone, Dominican ancestors have long-prized the Caribbean gem. Stories of its first dLarimar Rough Jewelry - EthanAdelinediscovery claim that it was found by Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren in 1916 in the Dominican Republic, but then later forgotten about - up until its more recent 'rediscovery' in 1974 by Miguel Méndez, a local Dominican, and Norman Rilling, a visiting US Peace Corps volunteer. Together, they named the stone after Méndez's daughter 'Larissa' by combining the first letters of her name 'Lari' with 'mar', the Spanish word for 'sea'. Today, blue Larimar is very popular throughout the Caribbean, but it is extremely rare to find it anywhere else.

Metaphysical Properties
Larimar is also known as 'the Atlantis stone', based on old legends which claim that the Dominican Republic was once part of the lost city of Atlantis. This Larimar - Jewelry - EthanAdelineassociation makes Larimar very important in the world of metaphysical gems. It is believed that the energy of Larimar can help to enhance spirituality and communication. It is a stone which is able to soothe emotions, cool tempers and alleviate stress, bringing a feeling of calmness to its wearer. Larimar works with all chakras, but its vibration is thought to be best for the heart, crown and throat chakras. It is associated with the element of water, much like its color, though it was formed with volcanic roots. Physically, blue Larimar is thought to be able to help with throat and cardiac disorders, and it is also good for blood pressure and alleviation of joint and arterial pain.

Care
Although some pectolite stones, especially Larimar, are relatively tough, their hardness range (from 4.5 to 6) makes them susceptible to scratches. Popular jewelry stones, such as quartz, topaz, corundum, and diamond, will scratch them. So, store your pectolite jewelry separately from such pieces.