Larimar, the blue Atlantis stone from the Dominican Republic

Larimar is a blue variety of pectolite, which is an extremely rare gemstone. It is also sometimes called the Stone of Atlantis and is only found in the Caribbean, in the Dominican Republic. What is worth knowing about the stone's past and its significance?

History of the stone

Larimar was found in a mountainous, relatively inaccessible area in the province of Barahona, Dominican Republic. The first mention of the stone dates back to 1916. However, it wasn't until 1974 that it really caught on. According to local legend, it was then that Miguel Mendez set off up the Rio Bahoruco, flowing down from the massif of the same name. It was then that deposits of larimar were found, which today is extremely popular around the world.

The name larimar comes from the combination of the name of Miguel's daughter (Larissa), whose beauty the traveler associated with the blue of the blue Caribbean sea - hence the ending of the word, mar. However, larimar is also called the Stone of Atlantis. Why? Well, a spiritual master who founded many Yoga Centers around the world claimed that some islands in the Caribbean (including the Dominican Republic) were part of the lost continent of Atlantis. It is therefore accepted that the larimar is alternatively called the Atlantis Stone precisely.

What exactly is a larimar stone?

Larimar is a rare form of pectolite, found only in the Dominican Republic. It has an unusual blue color, resembling that of Caribbean waters. So it's not surprising that Miguel associated the name of the precious stone with this very association. Larimar's hardness ranges between 5-7 on the Mohs scale. This unique Caribbean gemstone is sometimes confused with turquoise.

The stone is formed when hot gases push crystallized minerals upward, through so-called "volcanic pipes." To extract the stone, miners have to find these volcanic pipes and dig quite deep into old volcanoes. Larimar is most often used to make ethnic jewelry, but also beads, decorative objects and even... cabinet handles.

Mysterious properties of the mineral

The power of the larimar stone is believed to help look at events from different perspectives. It is said that larimar can soften the heart, but also enlighten a person, heal his body emotionally, physically and spiritually. Larimar stimulates the heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras, while increasing inner wisdom. It is said to bring peace, healing and love. Larimar is thus considered helpful, especially for those experiencing stress and anxiety.

Generally, larimar is considered a healing stone - as it enhances the ability to not only communicate with the "other world", but also promotes the body's natural healing process. People who believe in this wear jewelry with a larimar stone or put pieces of the precious stone in their pockets (possibly, under their pillows).

Larimar is also said to stimulate paranormal abilities, such as astral travel. Thus, thanks to it, one can learn about one's previous incarnations and recognize the essence of the place to which one's thoughts go, thanks to the precious stone. Thus, larimar connects people to secret and higher knowledge, while also relieving evils and traumas, and removing energy blockages.

Jewelry with larimar

Oriental larimar stone jewelry is most popular in the Caribbean. Larimar ornaments can be purchased from local artists in the form of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. If you visit the Dominican Republic, you are sure to see jewelry with this stone on many local stalls more than once.