Larimar

Is a trade name for a blue-toned, massive pectolite found in the Dominican Republic and exploited as a gem material.

Mineral formula: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)

Mineral group: member of the Wollastonite group

Crystal system: triclinic

Crystal habit: massive

Color: blue, bluish-white, white, gray

Luster: sub-vitreous, silky

Diaphaneity: transparent - translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 5

Streak: white

Specific gravity: 2.74 – 2.90

Named after:

Type locality: iginally described from Filipinas Larimar Mine, Los Checheses, Sierra de Baoruco, Barahona Province, Dominican Republic.

Geological occurrence: Primary mineral in nepheline syenites. Hydrothermal mineral in cavities in basalts and diabases. In serpentinites and peridotites.