Larimar
PectoliteJewelryWiki Editorial·2 sources·Reviewed 2026-08-04
Sky-blue pectolite found in exactly one place on earth — a few square kilometres in the Dominican Republic. The blue comes from copper substituting into an otherwise white mineral. It is soft, and the colour is known to fade with prolonged sunlight and heat.
Properties
| Property | Value | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 4½–5 [1] | — |
| Specific gravity | 2.84–2.90 [1] | — |
| Chemical formula | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) Read from the species entry, Pectolite. Larimar is its blue, copper-bearing variety. [1] | — |
| Crystal system | Triclinic [1] | — |
| Suitability for daily wear | Poor for rings. At Mohs 4½–5 it is softer than a steel blade and will scuff in daily wear; pendants and earrings suit it far better. [2] | — |
| Care cautions | Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight and away from heat, both of which are associated with fading. Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. [2] | — |
Sources
- Handbook of Mineralogy — Mineral Data Publishing / Mineralogical Society of America (Handbook of Mineralogy, Mineral Data Publishing)
- International Gem Society — gemstone articles — International Gem Society (IGS, gemstone information articles (gemsociety.org))