Larimar is a trade name for a variety of the mineral pectolite. Its crystal habit is massive. This means crystals grow as one large intergrown mass. The result is a mineral in which individual crystals have no external visible shape or form. Some geologists have described it as pectolite rock due to its complex mineral properties. Others argue it’s more accurate to classify Larimar as a “polymineral” because its formation doesn’t follow the conventional process normally used to define a typical rock.
The Las Phillipinas mine is the only place in the world where Larimar is found, is in the Barahona Province in the south west of the Dominican Republic. It’s a remote mountainous region surrounded by a subtropical forest. Larimar exhibits a unique and intricate structure. Its primary component is blue pectolite but it also contains other minerals such as calcite, natrolite, prehnite, clay, silicon dioxide minerals and phosphates (apatite).
A spiritual master once claimed the islands in the Caribbean were part of the lost continent of Atlantis. He said one day they would produce a blue stone with the power to heal. In the belief this was a reference to Larimar the name Atlantis Stone started being used. In 1916 the first official record of larimar was made by the parish priest of Barahona. He requested permission to excavate the land but permission was denied. There was no further mention of larimar until 1974.
After hearing local fisherman had been finding beautiful blue stones on the beach, a local artisan went to investigate. He was accompanied by an American Peace Corps volunteer who was also a geologist. The mine was found approximately ten kilometres up in the rugged mountains that line the coast. Stones were being carried down to the beach in a river that empties into the sea. The stone was initially named “travelina“ but was later changed to “larimar”. This was a combination of “Larissa“ who was the artisan’s daughter and the Spanish word “mar“ meaning “sea“.
The colour of Larimar has shown to be stable which means it doesn’t fade when exposed to sunlight. Tests have concluded that it’s not being enhanced before being cut and polished. Larimar is often described as the “gem of the Caribbean”. This is not only because of where it’s found but also because its colour and markings resemble the Caribbean Sea.
Larimar helps to balance extremes of emotion, encourages tolerance, relaxes conscious awareness and broadens experience of space and time. It awakens inner wisdom when moving through periods of stress and change and enables challenges to be met whilst remaining level headed.
Larimar emits a gentle healing energy that promotes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It can be used to reduce stress and restore balance within the mind and body. It draws you closer to your soul mate and helps heal heartache and pain following the breakdown of a relationship.
Larimar enhances the ability to connect with nature. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.It can help you feel more in tune with the energy of plants, animals and ecosystems fostering a sense of harmony and inter connectedness. It heightens environmental awareness making you more conscious of your impact on the planet.When it comes to the ever-present physical body,
Larimar brings the light touch of deep healing. As a throat chakra stone concerned with communication, it does all that it can to keep your throat soothed. It helps to remove all kinds of blockages and heal ailments in the upper body. It is also a popular stone for use in reflexology practice and particularly as a healing aid alongside acupuncture. Thanks to its fabulous calming energy, Larimar can also be used to soothe stress-related health worries such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and certain skin disorders. As a natural coolant, it can also help combat fire ailments like fever and rashes.