Larimar Gemstone Jewelry Buying Guide (Must-Know Tips & Benefits)

The rare Larimar is an exquisite gem with its serene blue beauty. It’s greatly sought after because of its tranquil beauty and scarcity. The charming gem beautifully replicates the oceanic charm of the Caribbean Sea, a sight for sore eyes. However, that is not all about this stunning gem. Larimar also promotes peace, clarity, and healing in your mind and body. Have plans to buy Larimar jewelry? This blog will take you through every minute detail you need to understand before purchasing this lovely gem. Read on to know more.

What is Larimar?

The name Larimar consists of two separate words— “Lari” and “Mar”. There’s a true story behind this name. Miguel Mendez was the discoverer of this blue stone. He was really mesmerized by the oceanic beauty of this stone and named it after his beloved daughter “Larissa”. So Lari derives from her name and Mar from the Spanish word Marine for its oceanic blue color. The name is a true tribute to Stone’s connection to the Caribbean Sea and fatherly warmth.

The blue gemstone is a rare variety of the mineral “Pectolite”. Pectolite is available in many locations, but this unique kind is found only in the Dominican Republic of the Caribbean, around Barahona City. This blue variant of Pectolite is a composition of calcium and Sodium acid-silicate hydrate, which gives the stone its captivating blue hue that ranges from soft white to deep blue.

A Brief History

As per belief, Larimar was formed 35 million years ago. Despite ancient origins, this stone has a relatively recent history and fame. The records of the mining ministry in the Dominican Republic claim that the stone was discovered back in 1916 by Father Miguel Domingo of the Barahona Parish. He even requested permission to explore the mine to find more but the request was denied due to ignorance about the stone. This Pectolite variety was rediscovered in the Dominican Republic in 1974 by an artisan Miguel Mendez.

Analyzing Larimar’s Color Spectrum

Although Larimar is most popular for its sea-like (Green-blue) color, you may find it in other colors and shades too.

• Blue: This color of Larimar is the most loved color, which ranges from soft sky blue to deep volcanic blue.
• Green: Larimar comes in different shades of green too that fluctuate between light to deep green.
• Violet and Indigo: Larimar can also be found in shades of violet and indigo.
• White: The rare stone can also range from bluish to pale white.

Larimar Meaning and Symbolism

The name Larimar describes the beauty of bright sunshine on the tranquil water of the Caribbean. Also known as Dolphin Stone, Larimar stimulates “Crown Chakra” which helps improve inner wisdom and manifestation. Due to its exceptional healing properties, Larimar jewelry is so popular worldwide. Here is how the gemstone benefits its wearer:

• Larimar emits calmness, and strength, and brings peace to its bearer.
• The stone personifies love, protection, and fertility, a perfect gem for couples.
• Larimar offers great healing power too. It helps combat depression, phobias, and other emotional problems.
• Larimar is also known as Lucky Stone. It's believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
• It is also said to aid in communication skills. The stone promotes clarity of the mind and assists in self-expression.

Natural Vs Synthetic Larimar

Natural Larimar is rare. The popularity of this unique gemstone encourages lab-grown production which is equally beautiful and cost-effective too. Choosing between them depends on the preference and purpose of the buyers. Here are some key differences between the natural and the lab-grown Larimars.

Note: Lab-grown Larimar gemstones are not to be mistaken as fake or imitations. They are original but grown and formed in a laboratory under ethical conditions.

• Natural Larimar shows a range of blue hues that often have white flecks, whereas synthetic Larimar looks more consistent and saturated.
• Natural Larimar have little imperfections or inclusions while Lab-grown may appear perfect or flawless.
• Natural Larimar is usually opaque and less glossy, while synthetic one may show a little transparency and glassy appeal.
• Natural Larimar has a textured surface, whereas lab-grown may feel overly smooth.
• Due to the rarity, natural Larimar is more expensive than the lab-grown one.

How Valuable is Larimar?

Larimar is an extremely rare gem. It is present with limited availability to a certain location on the earth. Because of its scarcity, it enjoys vital value. But falls under the semi-precious category of stones. Hence, it is not as expensive as Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire.

Further, in view of high demand and low availability, several cheap imitations also fill the market.
So whether buying online or by visiting the store, always inquire about the quality certification of your Larimar jewelry.

Larimar’s Durability, Care, and Storage

Larimar is a relatively softer gemstone. Therefore, proper care and storage are a must to preserve its lasting beauty.

• Durability: Larimar is a comparatively less durable stone. It scores 5-6 on a Moh’s Scale of hardness.
• Caring: Don’t expose your Larimar to harsh chemicals. Our skin creams, perfumes, and floor cleaners also have damaging elements. Hence, wear your jewelry once you are done applying makeup.
• Cleaning: some drops of mild soap and warm water are good enough to clean Larimar. Wipe the stone gently with a soft cloth. Don’t be harsh to your gemstone while cleaning.
• Storage: Proper storage is quite necessary for your valuable jewelry. Keep it in a separate compartment of your jewelry box. Use a silica pouch to save it from damage or scratches.

Make an Informed Purchase for Your Larimar Jewelry

The above details tell you the beauty and benefits of this exquisitely rare stone. But making an informed purchase demands a more in-depth inquiry. Larimar is not easily available in local markets. So, it can be difficult for you to make an authentic purchase locally. If buying online, always ensure the authenticity of your product. Beware of sellers offering imitations. Buy from registered and certified gemstone jewelry manufacturers only. Ensure that your product comes with clear descriptions and certifications. Also, look for positive customer reviews that confirm its authenticity.

Whether you want to obtain a rare gemstone for your collection or want peace and balance in your life, Larimar is the stone for you. GR Silver Designs International offers exquisite Larimar jewelry that symbolizes peace, harmony, and remarkable beauty. Established in 2008, we carry an array of genuine Larimar creations from a trusted and ethical source. You can always expect superior quality and timeless pieces from us.

Shop our beautiful Larimar jewelry collections and experience the tranquil energy of Larimar. Act fast!