Larimar jewelry is a stunning and unique form of jewelry that you may not have heard of before. It is composed of a semi-precious blue stone, Larimar, which is found in the Dominican Republic and is often referred to as the "Caribbean Gemstone." This beautiful jewelry is a great way to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any outfit or occasion. Whether you are looking for a unique piece to commemorate a special event or want to make a fashion statement, larimar jewelry is sure to turn heads.
What is Larimar?
The most impressive thing about Larimar is that it's only found in one place on the planet, the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It's not mined in any other country and is incredibly rare. This is part of what makes Larimar jewelry so special, as each piece is truly unique. In addition to its rarity, Larimar has a stunning blue-green color with flecks of pyrite that make it sparkle in the light. This vibrant color is why it's often compared to the Caribbean Sea and why it's such a sought-after material for jewelry.
Where is it found?
Larimar is an extremely rare form of the mineral pectolite, found only in a single location in the world. This location is the province of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. It was first discovered in 1916 by a priest named Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren, and it wasn't until 1974 that the distinctive blue stone was recognized as a unique gemstone. Since then, Larimar has become the national stone of the Dominican Republic and is highly sought-after for its beautiful color and rarity.
The gemstone can be found in veins running through certain kinds of volcanic rock, most commonly in lava that originated from the deep ocean. The pectolite within these rocks takes on a light blue hue due to copper traces, and when sunlight strikes, the stone is enchanting blue-green. As such, Larimar is often referred to as the "Atlantis Stone" or the "Stone of Heaven."
What does it look like?
Larimar is an intense blue, often with a hint of green, although the color can vary depending on where the stone was mined. Its hues come from the presence of copper in the volcanic rock in which it is found. The most sought-after color is a bright blue that resembles the color of the sea, hence its nickname "Blue Stone of the Caribbean." Often, the stone is mottled or streaked with white, gray, or red. It usually has an opaque to waxy luster and displays its beautiful pattern in either an intense blue or a bright greenish-blue hue. The stone can also contain tiny spots of yellow, brown, or even black. In terms of appearance, Larimar jewelry is often cut into cabochon shapes to show off its stunning colors and patterns.
How is it made?
Larimar is created through a process of heating and cooling the mineral pectolite. First, the raw stone is heated in a furnace at a temperature of about 600 degrees Celsius for about ten hours. This process removes the excess water and carbon dioxide from the pectolite, giving it its distinctive blue color. After that, the stone is cooled and polished to produce the beautiful blue Larimar jewelry prized worldwide.
Jewelers can also add other stones and metals to enhance the piece's design. For example, some pieces of Larimar jewelry include silver or gold accents. This can help make the piece even more unique and precious.
The final step in creating a piece of Larimar jewelry is cutting and setting the stone. Skilled artisans will cut the stone into shapes such as ovals, rounds, rectangles, and cabochons. The setting is then carefully chosen to complement the beauty of the stone.
Its breathtaking blue color and intricate designs make it easy to see why Larimar jewelry has become so popular. There's something for everyone, from bold statement pieces to delicate and subtle designs. Its timeless beauty will last for generations and bring joy to whoever wears it.
Why is it so special?
Larimar is a truly unique and remarkable stone that is found in only one place on earth, the Dominican Republic. It's believed to be formed from the same volcanic activity that produced the Caribbean islands over a million years ago. The combination of the blue color and pyrite crystals make it visually stunning, with an aesthetic appeal that has made it highly sought after.
What makes Larimar even more remarkable is its spiritual properties. Many believe that Larimar carries a powerful energy that helps to open the heart and mind to love and understanding. It's often referred to as the Stone of Atlantis, which invokes feelings of peace and harmony. Larimar is considered especially beneficial for healing emotional trauma and connecting us to our higher selves. It's often used as an aid in meditation and prayer, and some say it can bring luck, success, and joy into our lives. Whether you believe in its spiritual properties or not, there's no denying that Larimar is a stunning and unique gemstone. Its combination of beauty and mysterious origins makes it a perfect choice for those looking for something unique.
Crabby Mermaid carries a large selection of Larimar jewelry. So we have you covered whether you're looking for a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. With a choice of Sterling Silver or one of our handmade in Tampa, Florida, Cork pieces, we're sure you'll find a stunning piece of jewelry you will cherish for years to come.
Some Crabby Mermaid favorites:
Octopus Larimar Necklace on Cork
Sea Turtle Sterling Silver Drop Dangle Earrings
This is Love Earring and Necklace Set
Larimar Crab Necklace and Earring Set
