Larimar: The Caribbean Gemstone and How to Use It in Jewelry Making
There are gemstones that are beautiful, and then there are gemstones that stop you in your tracks. Larimar is the latter. Its color — a swirling, dreamy blue that ranges from pale sky to deep Caribbean ocean — is unlike anything else in the mineral world. And the fact that it comes from exactly one place on Earth makes every piece feel genuinely rare and special.
What Is Larimar?
Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite, a sodium calcium silicate mineral. What makes it unique is its color: most pectolite is gray or white, but the larimar found in the Dominican Republic contains copper substitutions that produce its signature blue. The color ranges from pale, almost white-blue to vivid sky blue to deep ocean blue with white cloud-like patterns — and the deeper, more saturated the blue, the more valuable the stone.
Larimar rates 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it softer than many jewelry stones. It’s best suited for pendants, earrings, and brooches, or rings with protective bezel settings and careful everyday wear.
Where Does Larimar Come From?
Larimar is found in only one location in the entire world: a single volcanic mountain in the Barahona Province of the Dominican Republic. The mine, known as Los Chupaderos, is the sole commercial source of larimar on Earth. This extreme rarity — combined with its extraordinary color — is what makes larimar so prized by collectors and jewelry makers alike.
The stone was officially “discovered” in 1974 by Miguel Méndez and Peace Corps volunteer Norman Rilling, though local legend holds that the indigenous Taíno people knew of the stone long before. Méndez named it “larimar” by combining his daughter’s name, Larissa, with the Spanish word for sea, mar — a perfect name for a stone that looks like the Caribbean itself.
Larimar in Our Collection
Oval Cabochons — The Classic Choice
Oval cabochons are the most versatile shape for larimar, showcasing the stone’s swirling blue patterns beautifully. We carry larimar ovals in a full range of sizes to suit any project:
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 8 x 10mm — petite and delicate, perfect for earrings and small pendants
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 9x11mm — a versatile mid-size for rings and pendants
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 10 x 12mm — a popular size for statement rings
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 10 x 14mm — elegant and well-proportioned for pendants
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 11 x 15mm — a generous size that showcases the color patterns
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 12 x 16mm — bold and striking for statement pendants
- Larimar Oval Cabochons, 13 x 18mm — large and dramatic, a true focal stone
Teardrop Cabochons — Elegant Drop Shapes
Teardrop larimar is especially beautiful as pendant focal stones and earring drops — the shape echoes the flowing, water-like quality of the stone’s color:
- Larimar Teardrop Cabochons, 10 x 14mm — delicate and refined
- Larimar Teardrop Cabochons, 12 x 16mm — a popular pendant size
- Larimar Teardrop Cabochons, 13 x 18mm — generous and eye-catching
- Larimar Teardrop Cabochons, 15 x 20mm — a large, dramatic focal stone
Small and Assorted Cabochons
- Larimar Cabochons, small — petite pieces perfect for earrings, stacking rings, and accent stones
Larger Statement Pieces
For makers who want a truly dramatic focal stone, we carry individually listed larimar cabochons and larger size ranges:
- Larimar Cabochons, 16-20mm, 20-24mm, and 24-28mm — substantial stones that command attention
- Larimar Cabochon, 1, 2, 3, and 4 — individually listed one-of-a-kind pieces, each unique
Rose Cut Larimar
- Larimar Rose Cut Cabochons — a faceted dome cut that adds sparkle and dimension to larimar’s dreamy blue color.
Curated Blue Collections
- All Things Blue Cabochons, 100 gram bags — a mix of blue stones including larimar, perfect for building a cohesive blue-toned jewelry collection
- Seafoam Mix Cabochons, 100 gram bags — a mix of seafoam and aqua-toned stones that complement larimar beautifully
Larimar Meaning and Spiritual Properties
Larimar is deeply connected to the sea and sky in crystal healing traditions. It is sometimes called the “Atlantis Stone.” It is associated with calm and tranquility, communication and the throat chakra, feminine energy, healing, and the element of water.
Tips for Working with Larimar
- Bezel settings are strongly recommended — they protect the stone’s edges and prevent chipping.
- Pendants and earrings are the safest applications.
- Avoid heat — keep away from torches and steam cleaners.
- Cleaning — warm soapy water and a soft cloth only.
- Storage — store separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.
Metal Pairings
Sterling silver, white gold, copper, and gold-filled or brass all pair beautifully with larimar’s oceanic blues.
Design Ideas
Ocean and beach collections, boho statement pendants, bridal “something blue” jewelry, throat chakra collections, and summer jewelry lines are all perfect applications for larimar.