A Dive into the Wonders of Larimar…
As the embodiment of the sea and sky, Larimar becomes a glorious reminder that you can hold, wear, and connect to wherever you are. With its lax, calming blues and soothing turquoise speckled with white veins, you are hinted with a piece of the Caribbean waters – dancing on your hands.
As a healing gem that harmonizes body and soul, it’s used as a jewelry, a decoration, and a talisman that also encapsulates the ancient wisdom of Atlantis.
Aside from its magnetic beauty and extreme rarity, it’s a jewel that holds different meanings. Let’s take a dive into its many names.
The Origin
Larimar, also known as “Stefilia’s Stone” is first discovered by a Spanish Priest named Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren in 1916. It is said that Larimar came from the sea and later was formed in the earth’s volcanic movements.
Island legends say that the stones can simply be gathered by the beach, then one day there were no more left. That’s when the locals thought of going upstream. Luckily, they found a rock formation and that is where the Larimar Stone is rediscovered.
Apparently, it’s not just a legend as the founders of the stone retell the same story.
Fast forward to 1974, Norman Rilling of the U.S. Peace Corps and a Dominican named Miguel Méndez explored upstream and found the it near the Bahoruco River in the Dominican Republic. After that, a mine was built and the rest is history.
They named the blue stone from Mendez’ daughter, Larissa and mixed it with the Spanish word for the sea, “Mar”. It was famed in the US when it was exhibited in the Tucson International Gem and Mineral show in 1986, with the help of Robert Woodruff and Ramon Ortiz.
Since then, Larimar gemstones have graced the world with its presence.
How it’s Formed
People around the world are enraptured by its rarity because it’s the only extremely scarce pectolite mineral that conveys a striking cerulean shade caused by copper.
It’s the only one of its kind and there are no other pectolites that can be dubbed after Larimar. That’s because the usual types are soft, fragile, and made of compact radiating fibers, while Larimar is a tough variety that makes it endure faceting and carving.
As hot gases from the volcano drive glazed minerals up into the volcanic tubes, the remarkable stone is formed. What makes it even rarer is how it’s extracted in a complex way. Stone miners should know the types of tubes that bear Larimar gemstones and these ones are dug out deep into the volcanoes.
Larimars are found again in the seas because of soil erosion. Some pieces broke off and are washed to the rivers and through the sea, that it was popularized as the Caribbean Gem, thanks to the natural happening that caused the aid of rainfall and waves.
The Spell-binding Color
A still of gently swirling cerulean, indigo, azure, and navy meet with ethereal white embers are immortalized in a gem, reminiscent of the playful dance of the skies and the ever-enigmatic sea.
Created by copper inclusions, the blue color radiate with crystal needles and rough whirls. It possesses different hues from sky blue to greenish-blue and to deep blue.
The web of white lushly mixed with the blue brings the illusion of clouds trapped in the Larimar Stone which exudes a soothing stance and subtly paves way for the turquoise color to arise.
The highest quality is the one with the deepest blue shade combined with the most striking contrasts. Because of its unique patterns, there are no other gems in the world that’s comparable to Larimar.
Larimar as a Jewelry and Ornament
It is sold all throughout the Larimar shops in the Caribbean, but since it was introduced in the world stage, it is made into different types of jewelries and ornaments. It’s used for decoration, for making Larimar beads, and even as cabinet handles, but is most famed as a precious jewelry.
Braced as a Larimar ring, sleekly styled as bracelets, prized as captivating pendants, and trimmed to elegantly dangle as Larimar earrings, such charms are collected world-wide.
Since it’s usually cut en cabochon, elaborate shapes are prized beyond the regular rounds and ovals. It’s typically dense, but there are special ones that appear to be slightly translucent. When Larimar is cut and polished, it exhibits an enticing silky luster that gives off a smooth coating.
Because it’s naturally fragile and has a brittle tenacity, extra care is required when cleaning and storing one.
So if you’re already thinking of owning a Larimar, be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and use only mild soap and warm water as it can be blemished by mineral acid. Wipe down your stones with a soft cloth and avoid heat and direct sunlight so you can maintain its magnificent color.
Simply treat it as you would if it’s a diamond, because it’s definitely a spectacle beyond form.
Larimar as the Atlantis Stone
Some of you may have heard of it as the Atlantis Stone and legends claim that it does came from a mystical background.
Well, it started when a Spiritual Master named Edgar Cayce who founded yoga centers all over the world once lived in Trinidad and Tobago and declared that the Dominican Republic is part of the legendary Atlantis. He depicted it in his book “The Sleeping Prophet” (1877 – 1945), and indicated that a special blue stone containing healing powers can be found in that exact location.
The appearance matched the Larimar Stone well and the claim was confirmed by various authorities in metaphysics. Many sources in Europe have also backed the rife belief that Atlantis was once situated between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, topping the well-known fact that the Larimar jewel can only be found in that same area.
The blue gem has become popular in Europe in the 1980s as the Atlantis Stone more than the Larimar Stone – its original name – and even today, crystal enthusiasts at metaphysical events look for the marvels of the Atlantis Stone. Vivifying this belief are the colors and healing properties of Larimar and are said to represent the sunken Atlantis.
Larimar as a Healing Stone
The location, claims, and the color seem to reflect the truth, but how has it become a healing stone?
Spiritual masters and crystal enthusiasts tell us it’s finely tuned to the human body specifically to the throat area. Those who believe in the works of chakras know that this area is for speech and communication. With that belief, people wear Larimar jewelry, put it in their pockets, and carry around so as to vibe with the Larimar metaphysical properties.
It helps with stress-related illness, emotional incapacities, and bipolar disorders. It’s also used as an alternative treatment for ailments involving water, heat, and light. Since it’s created by volcanic activity, it bears a balance between water and fire energies that washes negative entities away. Having a fire element, Larimar aids fever and inflammation and it helps cool down tempers and gives a naturally soothing energy because of its water element.
As a cleanser, it aids in the healing process of panic attacks, phobias, and excessive anger into peace. Coming to this state, we achieve a more child-like view of the world that brings us back to the center.
Although it’s still best to seek professional help, you may prove all these yourself simply by trying. If it doesn’t live up to its promise, it’s still a beautiful blue jewel that’s easy on the eyes, is it not?
What is Larimar to You?
More than a stunning jewelry, Larimar holds many roles. You may use it as a worry stone to sooth your senses when you’re feeling vexed. Place it on your desk or office table to cleanse the atmosphere. Reconnect with nature as you hold it by the seashore. And for a more intimate connection, place your Larimar jewelry or stone near the bathtub and light blue candles together with calming music for a one of a kind experience.
Beneath its many names that hold rich stories, seeing it in person for the first time will rinse such labels off of its presence. You will need to see, touch, and feel the Larimar Stone to experience its wonders. Beyond words, titles, legends, and claims, it’s the feeling it gives that from here on – everything is going to be okay.
And that what makes it – in the truest sense of the words – a healing gem.