Larimar: origins, significance and virtues

Larimar, a Caribbean treasure, is distinguished by its magnificent palette of blues, reminiscent of the peaceful waters of the tropics. This stone, prized not only for its unique beauty but also for its lithotherapy benefits, brings serenity and harmony, making it an ideal choice for the creation of DIY costume jewelry.

Discover our range of larimarbeads and jewelry components to design jewelry that combines aesthetics and well-being. Get inspired by our natural stone jewels to create unique pieces of jewelry.

What does "larimar" mean?

The name larimar comes from the combination of the feminine first name Larissa (the first name of the daughter of Miguel Mendez, the man who discovered it) and the word "mar", which means "sea" in Spanish.

Larimar history

The history of the stone is not very well known. It is assumed that the Taino Indians, the first inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic), used it to make jewelry and ornaments. But there's no proof of this.

According to historical accounts, the first recognized discovery of Larimar dates back to 1916. Father Domingo Fuertes de Loren, a Spanish priest, requested permission to explore and exploit a blue stone mine he had discovered in the Barahona region of the Dominican Republic. However, for various reasons, his application was rejected. It wasn't until the 1970s that this gemstone was rediscovered by Miguel Mendez, a resident of the village of Chupaderos.

A little curiosity: the American mystic Edgar Cayce mentioned the existence of a blue healing stone, used in Atlantis, with healing powers and capable of promoting spiritual communication. His followers drew a parallel between his description of this Atlantean stone and the Larimar, discovered in the Dominican Republic in the 1970s. Hence its nickname "the stone from Atlantis"!

What color is larimar?

This natural stone is distinguished by its shades of blue, ranging from sky blue to deep blue-green, sometimes marbled with white, reminiscent of the waves of the Caribbean Sea caressing the shores. Each stone is unique, offering a variety of patterns that make them exclusive and personal pieces of jewelry.

Because of its color, it is sometimes confused with turquoise, chrysocolla or jade.

What are the properties of larimar?

Larimar is a stone derived from volcanic rock. This blue stone is a variety of pectolite. On the Mohs scale, its hardness is around 4.5 to 5, making it relatively delicate and requiring special care to preserve its splendor. Its density is between 2.7 and 2.9 g/cm³.

Where to find larimar stone?

Unique in the world, this blue stone is mined in the mountains of the Dominican Republic and northern Italy. This rarity is explained by its particular volcanic formation process, making it all the more precious and sought-after.

What are the virtues of larimar stone?

In lithotherapy, this blue stone is said to soothe emotions, reduce stress and bring inner peace. It also boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. Another benefit is its ability to strengthen the connection to nature and earth energy.

Which chakra for larimar? It is associated with the throat chakra, the chakra of communication. Working together, they contribute to inner peace and free speech.

It's the ideal gemstone for natives of the astrological signs Pisces, Aquarius and Virgo.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge a larimar stone?

Like other natural stones, larimar loses its vitality and benefits over time. To restore its positive energy, this blue stone needs to be purified and recharged on a regular basis.

To purify larimar, opt for gentle methods such as water, salt, earth or incense. You could, for example, place the larimar in a bowl of lightly salted distilled water. Once you've purified it, be sure to dry it carefully with a soft cloth to avoid scratching it.

To recharge the larimar, expose it for a few hours to natural sunlight or the gentle rays of the moon. To amplify this ritual, place it on a bed of quartz or in an amethyst geode.

How to wear larimar

Larimar's pastel-blue hue complements silvery metals such as925 silver orstainless steel. For those who prefer golden hues, it can also be combined with gold finishes such as Gold Plated or Gold Filled, adding an extra touch of elegance.

In lithotherapy, larimar is considered a soothing stone. It can be combined with a stone of similar energy. Which stone to combine with larimar? To amplify its benefits, combine it with stones such as amethyst for serenity, or moonstone for femininity and intuition.
Which stone should larimar not be associated with? With its calming and soothing energy, it may not go well with stones with very dynamic or stimulating energies, such as sunstone or carnelian.