Larimar
The blue gem variety of pectolite, found only in the Los Chupaderos mine area of Barahona Province, Dominican Republic. The blue color derives from copper substituting for calcium in the crystal structure. Sky blue to blue-green with white patterns created by radiating fibrous crystal structure.
Physical & Optical Properties
Key Differentiators
- Sky blue color with distinctive white radiating or cloud-like patterns unique to pectolite
- Low hardness 4.5–5 — easily scratched with a knife blade
- Exclusively from Barahona Province, Dominican Republic — single world locality
- Silky fibrous radiating texture visible under loupe
- Lower RI (1.595–1.640) and different texture vs blue turquoise (1.610–1.650)
Common Simulants
- Blue Turquoise: Turquoise has waxy luster, no fibrous radiating texture, RI 1.610–1.650, SG 2.60–2.85. Lacks the pectolite radiating pattern.
- Blue Calcite: Calcite SG ~2.71, lower hardness (3), effervesces with acid, RI 1.486–1.658 with extreme birefringence.
- Blue Glass: Glass lacks fibrous texture, isotropic under polariscope, SG varies widely, typically cold to touch.
- Dyed Howlite: Dyed howlite shows dye in cracks under loupe, acetone removes dye, SG ~2.53, hardness only 3.5, strong LW fluorescence in undyed areas.
Treatments
- Wax or Resin Impregnation (surface stabilization)
Price Context
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Larimar
The blue gem variety of pectolite, found only in the Los Chupaderos mine area of Barahona Province, Dominican Republic. The blue color derives from copper substituting for calcium in the crystal structure. Sky blue to blue-green with white patterns created by radiating fibrous crystal structure.
Identifying a larimar? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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