Where is Larimar found?
Pectolite (blue variety)
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Open the appLarimar occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Larimar
Barahona Province, Dominican Republic
The only known commercial source of Larimar in the world. It is found in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range, specifically in the Los Chupaderos area, near the city of Barahona. The deposits are located in ancient volcanic flows.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Larimar is found in specific geological settings: within the amygdaloidal cavities of altered basaltic volcanic rocks. Prospecting would involve identifying such formations.
- Color and Pattern Recognition. Look for the characteristic blue to blue-green color with white, gray, or reddish-brown mottling. The patterns often resemble water or clouds.
- Associated Minerals. Larimar can be found alongside other minerals common in volcanic vugs, such as calcite, hematite, and various zeolites, though these are not always present.
- Hardness Test. Due to its relatively low hardness (4.5-5 on the Mohs scale), it can be scratched by harder materials like quartz. This can help differentiate it from harder blue minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Sky blue to blue-green, often with white streaks.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to silky.
- Streak:
- White.
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