Larimar wholesale for jewelry making

• 1. Larimar
• 2. Larimar's History
• 3. Physical and Chemical Properties of Dominican Pectolire
• 4. Larimar Colors
• 5. Larimar Deposits
• 6. The Healing Properties of Larimar
• 7. Magic Properties of Larimar
• 8. Larimar Stones from KenKenGems

Larimar

Larimar evokes associations with the tranquil ocean and the clouds floating away into the distance. Its turquoise color resembling tropical waters spawned a myriad of legends and myths. One of them says that the blue mineral belonged to the people of Atlantis and it disappeared in the depths of the ocean simultaneously with the legendary island. Luckily, the stone wasn’t gone for good. In the middle of the 20th century, it was re-discovered to delight fastidious jewelry buffs, gemstone connoisseurs, as well as those who believe in the magical and healing properties of minerals.

Larimar's History

Despite the many legends shrouding its origin, the real history of Larimar is much more prosaic. It was first described in 1916 in the memoirs of a Catholic priest traveling across the Dominican Republic. However, the clergyman did not consider it necessary to tell gemologists about his find. Officially, the stone was studied only in 1974 by the Dominican jeweler Miguel Mendes. Yet, his discovery cannot be called sensational since the indigenous population of the island has been familiar with the stone centuries before it sparked a scientific interest.

The beautiful name Larimar occurred thanks to Miguel Mendes. It is a combination of two words: Larissa + Mar. The former is the name of the jeweler’s youngest daughter and “mar” means “sea” in Spanish. Besides that, the gem is unofficially dubbed atlantis, pectolite jade, dolphin stone, and Dominican turquoise.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Dominican Pectolire

Larimar occurs in volcanic rocks of the Miocene era. It is none other than pectolite, a compound of sodium-calcium with a hydroxyl group. Its natural blue color is the result of vanadium inclusion. From a chemical standpoint, Larimar’s formula NaCa2Si3O8 (OH) is surprisingly similar to glass. The surface of a polished Larimar stone is even more similar to glass, and it owes this satin sheen to its fine-grained structure.

The mineral has an opaque but translucent structure with an uneven fracture and perfect cleavage. It has a medium hardness (about 5.0 on the Mohs scale) and is easy to work with. On the other hand, a polished gem is subject to mechanical, abrasive, and chemicals damage. When being exposed to the sun, the stone’s color may quickly lose its saturation. For this reason, Larimar is quite rare as an inlay for everyday jewelry. It is most commonly incorporated in pendants and earrings to minimize wear and tear. At the same time, the mineral is used in souvenir, figurine, and amulet making.

Larimar Colors

The combination of calcium silicate, sodium, and various admixtures (mainly vanadium, as well as copper and cobalt) give the mineral its statement color raging from aquamarine and indigo to milky white. The color is distributed unevenly throughout the stone - vibrant blue areas are interspersed with almost white veins. Each gem has its own unique color and pattern. Some specimens resemble sunbeams drowning in the turquoise water of a lagoon; others look like puffy clouds swirling in the azure sky. A fleeting glance at the gem’s pattern gives a perfect illusion of movement.

Larimar Deposits

Most jewelry-grade Larimar stones come from the Dominican Republic. However, the Caribbean country isn’t an exclusive source of blue pectolite. Small deposits are also found in the Bahamas, Haiti, Italy, as well as in some regions of Alaska and Canada. In the Dominican Republic, precious gems are mined in the southwestern part of the country. The largest deposits are located near the village of Los Chupaderos and on the Barahona Peninsula.

Larimar is extracted by hand using a hammer and pickaxe. This fact, as well as the rarity of the semi-precious stone, makes it relatively costly. Still, you can purchase a marvelous specimen at less than $50, its size is going to be on the smaller end though. Sky-blue Larimars with a pronounced marble pattern carry the highest prices.

The Healing Properties of Larimar

The beneficial effect of Larimar is primarily amenable to the treatment of the upper respiratory tract diseases such as bronchitis or flu. The gem positively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system as well as alleviates hypertension, atherosclerosis, congestion, and other pain-evoking conditions. Larimar is also a great solution to accelerate recovery after operations or traumas due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory processes.

Larimar is a godsend for sensitive and emotional people as it has a positive effect on the nervous system. It helps cast off psychoemotional disorders providing spiritual harmony and prudence instead. The greatest therapeutic effect is manifested when the stone rests at the chest.

Magic Properties of Larimar

In its homeland, the Dominican Republic, Larimar is a stone of spirituality, a symbol of love and purity. If you wear it as a talisman for a long time, it can help you comprehend your inner world and the depths of your soul. It is believed that the stone gained widespread popularity in the 21st century for a reason. Larimar carries the qualities that are critical for a modern person. In a world where we forgot how to love, it helps rediscover affection, respect, and care for one another

People who own Larimar jewelry become sensitive to other people's problems and misfortunes. They learn to grow kindness and understanding in their hearts. Larimar will also come in handy if you seek to improve your love life. It brings harmony to interpersonal relationships and enhances your charm. In creative people, the gem bolsters their ability to contemplate and meditate. Last but not least, Larimar neutralizes the negative impact of the environment, cleanses biofields, and creates a positive aura.

Larimar Stones from KenKenGems

Larimar reveals its beauty to the fullest extent when it is being cut en cabochon. KenKenGems delivers a broad variety of polished Dominican pectolites in the round, oval, pear, nugget, and freeform shapes, all proudly displaying their streaky patterns. These one-of-a-kind stones make a perfect gift for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors, and we have certificates to prove their authenticity. We provide Larimar for sale in strands, necklaces, loose, and by piece, all options feature unsurpassed quality and budget-friendly prices. You can get a stone grown in the heart of the Dominican Republic without leaving your house, KenKenGems will deliver it wherever you are. Our collect-worthy and jewelry-grade Larimars are the epitome of beauty, so don’t hesitate to check out our carefully selected gemstone inventory.