Dominican larimar cabochons available in two shapes from the same lot: teardrop and oval. Turquoise blue with white pectolite veins.
Piece information
| Mineral |
Larimar (blue pectolite: NaCa2Si3O8(OH) with traces of Cu) |
| Dimensions |
Teardrop: approx. 20–30 mm long; Oval: approx. 18–25 mm long (varies per piece) |
| Shape and back |
Teardrop and oval; flat back on both |
| Finish |
Mirror polished |
| Hardness |
4.5–5 Mohs — we recommend bezel setting in 925 silver |
| Origin |
Dominican Republic (Sierra de Bahoruco, Barahona province) |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece type |
Commercial stock; two shapes in the same lot |
This specific piece
The availability of two silhouettes in the same lot responds to a practical reality in the workshop: it is not always known in advance whether the design will call for a teardrop or an oval. Having both shapes from the same material — same supplier, same color range, same quality — eliminates the visual inconsistency that appears when different lots are mixed in the same collection.
Larimar: geology of a unique mineral
Blue pectolite — larimar — owes its color to traces of copper that replace calcium in the NaCa2Si3O8(OH) silicate structure. This substitution only occurred in a single vein in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Barahona province, Dominican Republic. Outside of that vein, pectolite is not blue. Extraction is exclusively manual in vertical shafts up to 30 meters deep: mechanization would fracture the material. This limits production volume and explains the variation in quality and color between lots. The name was coined in 1974 by Dominican geologist Miguel Mendez combining "Larissa" (his daughter's name) with "mar" (sea).
What mounting it works for
-
Bezel set in 925 silver — Necessary to protect the edge of the larimar (Mohs 4.5–5). The teardrop requires a bezel that follows the point; the oval allows for a standard perimeter bezel. Both adapt well to 925 silver in a polished or oxidized finish.
-
Central pendant (teardrop) or medallion (oval) — The teardrop is classic for a directed pendant; the oval for a centered medallion or a short choker-type pendant.
-
Ring with oval setting — The 18–25 mm oval shape fits cocktail or statement rings. The perimeter bezel protects the edges of the lapidary.
Larimar in the tradition of crystals
Larimar is known as the "Caribbean stone" — the only gem exclusive to an island. Its short history as a jewel contrasts with the intensity of its associations: the calm of the deep sea, emotional communication without noise, the pause before speaking. In the tradition of crystals, it is considered the stone of those who find the words others cannot say: the therapist, the poet, who names the unnameable with precision and warmth. A sea stone for those who speak from the depths.
The symbolic associations attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize authentic larimar
Opaque, with a waxy to vitreous luster and white veins of natural pattern (waves, spots). Under magnification, fine microcrystalline texture without gas bubbles. Density 2.7–2.9 g/cm3 — feels heavier than synthetic resin. Imitations in dyed turquoise have black, not white, veins; dyed chalcedony is more translucent and uniform in color; resin is lighter with a plastic sheen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose between teardrop and oval when purchasing?
The lot includes both shapes; the distribution between silhouettes depends on available stock. If you exclusively need one silhouette, consult the specific lots of teardrop larimar or oval larimar.
Is this larimar treated?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemmological certification.
Do the teardrop and oval have the same color range?
Yes. Both silhouettes come from the same material lot, so the tone range — intense turquoise blue to light blue — is comparable between the two shapes.
See also: cabochon collection | pendants | rings.
