What Is Larimar? The Complete Guide to the Atlantis Stone

Larimar is a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite, found only in the mountainous region of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. It was first officially discovered in 1974 by Miguel Mendez, who named it by combining his daughter's name "Larissa" with "mar" (Spanish for sea).

What makes Larimar truly special is its volcanic origin. Unlike most gemstones formed deep underground, Larimar was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The blue coloring comes from copper substitution for calcium in the crystal structure, creating patterns that range from light sky blue to deep volcanic blue.

Larimar is often called "The Atlantis Stone" — a name that captures both its mystery and its Caribbean origin. The philosopher Edgar Cayce once predicted that a blue stone with extraordinary healing properties would be found on a Caribbean island — many believe Larimar fulfills that prophecy.

Each Larimar stone is completely unique. The swirling patterns of blue and white are never repeated, making every piece of Larimar jewelry one of a kind. On the Mohs hardness scale, Larimar rates between 4.5 and 5, making it suitable for jewelry but requiring gentle care.

For jewelry purposes, Larimar is typically graded by its color intensity. The deepest volcanic blue stones are the most valuable and rare, while lighter blue and green-blue pieces are more commonly available. At Ambar & Larimar Shop, we hand-select only premium AAA-grade stones for our collection.

The global supply of Larimar is limited to a few small mines in the Barahona province. As these mines age, the stone becomes increasingly rare, and prices have risen approximately 20% between 2020 and 2024 alone. For collectors and jewelry lovers alike, Larimar represents both beauty and a genuine investment.