Good morning it’s Thursday and that means Crystal Thursday! This week we’re looking at a rare mineral found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar. This is from the family of minerals called Pectolite. A sodium calcium based mineral that is quite common around the world but not necessarily as a gem stone. It does seem to be one that collectors seek out though.
The story of discovery of Larimar is kind of interesting in that it has two discovery dates. The first was back in 1916 by a priest who submitted papers for permission to mine but apparently that permission was either never given or was never followed up on. So it wasn’t until 1974 that a Peace Corp worker named Norman Rilling and Miguel Mendez of the Dominican Republic found some Larimar while walking on the beach. They traced the source and got permission to mine. At first it was named Travelina but was later changed for Mr. Mendez’s daughter Larissa and the Spanish word for sea, which is Mar. Larimar!
There are a couple different names it may be marketed as, although I don’t know why but they are Dolphin Stone and Atlantis Stone. The beautiful turquoisey pale blue of Larimar comes from copper getting into the mix when the mineral was forming. Another distinctive feature is the wavy white lines. They remind me of standing in the shallows of the sea of some lovely tropical beach and watching the light dance on the waves.
One thing to watch out for is Larimar is a stone that is faked. Some sellers are up front about it not being real but others aren’t or don’t know the product well enough to recognize a fake. If you are looking at a gem called Larimar Quartz, it’s not real Larimar. The cost may also warn you of a possible fake. Good quality Larimar can go for up to $20 or more a gram. Mid or low grade Larimar will be more affordable of course but if you’re looking to buy a nice piece of jewelry, you want to know it’s real.
This would be a great stone to meditate with. Sit while holding a piece of Larimar and let it take you on a relaxing mini vacation to the Caribbean. You come back rested and de-stressed just missing the tan. Of course you could meditate outside and the tan part would be taken care of!
Larimar is not a terribly hard stone. On the Mohs scale it comes in at 4.5 to 5 and it resonates beautifully with the Throat and 3rd Eye Chakras.
Now let’s get to the fun stuff, the metaphysical characteristics that Larimar has to offer.
- Larimar is a stone that encourages calm, peace and serenity. It will help relieve stress, fear, and calm tempers.
- When used under the right conditions it can help resolve trauma issues.
- It helps overcome negative self talk that can turn into self sabotage.
- It gives you the courage to speak your truth.
- It can help heal on all levels, physical, emotional spiritual and mental.
- It can help increase communication skills.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look at Larimar. If the qualities of this stone resonate with you I encourage you to purchase a piece and work with it. Keep in mind I am not a doctor and sharing the healing qualities of this or any crystal or mineral is in no way giving medical advice. Working with it can help but if you are ill see your medical practitioner of choice.
Until Next Time…
Blessed Be ❤ Sharon
Element Mind Body Spirit 