The facts
What larimar actually is
Mineralogically, larimar is pectolite — NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH), crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by copper substituting for calcium. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.595–1.645, and the specific gravity sits near 2.74–2.90; cleavage is perfect, two directions.
Where larimar comes from
The recognised sources are Barahona, Dominican Republic — the only source on earth.
That is the whole list. A single source makes supply fragile and makes any claim of a second origin worth questioning.
Is larimar treated?
None normally; the colour can fade in strong sunlight.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What larimar is confused with
The usual confusions are Chrysocolla, Turquoise and Dyed howlite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.595–1.645 and specific gravity 2.74–2.90 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What larimar is used for
Larimar is bought by jewellery and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Larimar is 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect, two directions cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What larimar costs
Indicative pricing for larimar is $2–80/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is larimar treated?
None normally; the colour can fade in strong sunlight.
Where does larimar come from?
Barahona, Dominican Republic — the only source on earth. That is the only commercial source.
Is larimar hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does larimar cost?
Indicatively $2–80/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is larimar confused with?
Most often Chrysocolla, Turquoise and Dyed howlite. A refractive index of 1.595–1.645 and a specific gravity near 2.74–2.90 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for larimar?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about larimar