Pectolite / Larimar

Larimar is a blue or greenish variety of pectolite.

Formula pectolite: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH) Formula larimar: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH) + Cu, Co, V
Mineral class: silicates
Crystal system: triclinic
Mohs scale pectolite: 4.5 - 5 Mohs scale larimar: ~5 - 6
Density (g/cm³): 2.84 - 2.90
Refractive index: 1.595 - 1.645
Cleavage: perfect
Colors pectolite: colorless, white, grey, yellowish Colors larimar: greenish, blue
Transparency: transparent - translucent
Luster: vitreous - silky
Fluorescence: -
Pleochroism: -
Largest Pectolite crystal: 15 cm?
Deposits Pectolite: worldwide
Deposits Larimar: Filipinas Larimar Mine / Los Checheses / Sierra de Baoruco / Barahona Prov. / Dominican Republic
Discovery of Pectolite: 1828 Discovery of Larimar: 1974
1st Description of Pectolite: 1892? 1st Description or Larimar: 1984
Name: from the Greek word "pectos" (coagulated)

Pectolite Mineral

Size: 9.5 x 7.0 x 5.0 cm

Origin: Franklin / Sussex County / New Jersey / USA

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Pectolite Mineral

Size: 9.6 x 5.9 x 2.9 cm

Origin: Millington Quarry / Bernard / Somerset County / New Jersey / USA

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Pectolite var. Larimar Mineral

Size: Micromount

Origin: Fittà / Soave / Verona Prov. / Italy

Photo by kind permission of © Matteo Chinellato

Pectolite var. Larimar Mineral

Length of the slice: 10 cm

Origin: Filipinas Larimar Mine / Los Checheses / Sierra de Baoruco / Barahona Prov. / Domin. Rep.

Photo by kind permission of © Peter Cristofono

Pectolite var. Larimar

Weight: 101.52 ct

Origin: Barahona / Dominican Republic

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Pectolite var. Larimar

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Pectolite var. Larimar

Weight: 10.58 ct

Origin: Hispaniola / Dominican Republic

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