Let’s talk about Larimar

[theredspinel]

So as the title says, have your heard of / what do you know about the gemstone larimar?

I’ve read all the google links so I want to hear your person thoughts and opinions.

Do you have any?? I am thinking about buying a cheap as chips larimar ring, will most certainly post here if / when I purchase it.

In the meantime some google pics for your viewing pleasure

 

[theredspinel]

 

[Avondale]

Never heard of it before but I'm immediately drawn to it. Looks like the pattern light and sea waves draw on the sand. Almost looks alive.

 

[theredspinel]

Never heard of it before but I'm immediately drawn to it. Looks like the pattern light and sea waves draw on the sand. Almost looks alive.

Isn’t it stunning! I’ve heard it being referred to the Atlantis stone and I get it!

 

[MrsBlue]

I got a few pieces when I went to DR years ago.

I don't know anything about the standard polishing and treatment of this stone. I only know that I was very gentle with my ring and the high-polish finish either wore off or dissolved very quickly. I wonder if it had been highly waxed? It has a matte finish now.

In any case, it's inexpensive enough to buy and test a few pieces to see how they perform. Good luck!

 

[theredspinel]

I got a few pieces when I went to DR years ago.

I don't know anything about the standard polishing and treatment of this stone. I only know that I was very gentle with my ring and the high-polish finish either wore off or dissolved very quickly. I wonder if it had been highly waxed? It has a matte finish now.

In any case, it's inexpensive enough to buy and test a few pieces to see how they perform. Good luck!

Oh that’s interesting. Maybe it’s a soft stone? I havnt thought to check the MOH scale. Treatment wise, the genuine ones aren’t routinely treated but you can have a lot of fakes; dyed and resin filled other stones

 

[Avondale]

Maybe it’s a soft stone?

It appears so. Google kindly let me know it's about 4.5-5 on the scale.

 

[bright&shiny]

I have two pretty pieces (not set) from Dana. I've been told the market has been flooded with 'pretenders' for a number of years - but don't have any verification. I can say that much of what I see currently set and for sale looks nothing like what I have or those beautiful pieces @theredspinel posted. Those are stunning - love how it looks like the wavelets refracting on the sandy bottom of the carribean blue waters!

 

[T L]

Larimar reminds me of that ripple effect that light makes in pool water.

 

[theredspinel]

I have two pretty pieces (not set) from Dana. I've been told the market has been flooded with 'pretenders' for a number of years - but don't have any verification. I can say that much of what I see currently set and for sale looks nothing like what I have or those beautiful pieces @theredspinel posted. Those are stunning - love how it looks like the wavelets refracting on the sandy bottom of the carribean blue waters!

@bright&shiny can we please see your pieces?

 

[Rfisher]

Is it ever translucent?
Or always opaque?

 

[theredspinel]

Is it ever translucent?
Or always opaque?

I read from gemsociety.org it can be translucent but that’s quite rare. Additionally it says “the finest stones are dark blue and translucent, but sky blue specimens with cloud-like patterns are also highly prized”.

The one I looked at looked exactly like the sky, it had me mesmerised.

 

[RMOO]

Here's my set, worn more in summer.

 

[theredspinel]

Here's my set, worn more in summer.

So soft looking, like fluffy whispy clouds on a beautiful summer blue sky…

 

[2Neezers]

I love larimar and other rock cabochons just as much as gems. I only have a few larimar jewelry pieces set in sterling silver and they were made by local metalsmiths. I see a lot of larimar jewelry at the local art fairs, and cabs and slabs can also be found at local rocks and mineral shows.

I have a few loose cabochons I bought, thinking I would learn to make jewelry someday. I didn’t realize they are all pear shaped until I took them out for this picture!

I also have a couple of slabs. The bigger one is more of a greenish blue in person and is face polished. I have tried cabbing at my local jewelers studio, but was told larimar can be soft and crumbly to work with, so I’m waiting until I better understand what I’m doing to give these a try.

 

[theredspinel]

I love larimar and other rock cabochons just as much as gems. I only have a few larimar jewelry pieces set in sterling silver and they were made by local metalsmiths. I see a lot of larimar jewelry at the local art fairs, and cabs and slabs can also be found at local rocks and mineral shows.

I have a few loose cabochons I bought, thinking I would learn to make jewelry someday. I didn’t realize they are all pear shaped until I took them out for this picture!

I also have a couple of slabs. The bigger one is more of a greenish blue in person and is face polished. I have tried cabbing at my local jewelers studio, but was told larimar can be soft and crumbly to work with, so I’m waiting until I better understand what I’m doing to give these a try.

@2Neezers lucky you! All so beautiful. There’s something so beautiful and also delicate about this stone, it reminds me of turquoise but then it really doesn’t. I think it’s the soft whisps of white, the edges of which look almost diffused, like steam, rather then straight edged harsh white bands.

Are the white parts glittery (for want of a better word) at all?

 

[bright&shiny]

@bright&shiny can we please see your pieces?

I’ll take some pics this weekend.

 

[2Neezers]

Are the white parts glittery (for want of a better word) at all?

I think I know what you mean..a sparkly look when the light hits it just right. The larimar I have doesn’t have any light reflective qualities except for it’s polish. I know there are different grades and I’m not sure if there are glittery pieces out there.
I thought I’d share a picture of the other side of my slab.There are crusty areas that wouldn‘t work for the front side of a cabochon, but I think the pattern looks like a crashing wave.

 

[stracci2000]

I was lucky to find this ring in a thrift store.

 

[Austina]

Last time I was in the Caribbean, it was way more expensive than I could’ve bought it for in England.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I love, love, LOVE larimar! So nice to see an opaque gem thread. Everyone's goodies are so beautiful, and I've thoroughly enjoyed admiring them all.

My favorite turtleback patterning.


With ivory (humanely and legally harvested).


A giant .


Handmade.


This specimen measures 5" across and 1.5" north-south in the middle... pretty to look at, but terribly uncomfortable to wear.


And here are some rings.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Larimar reminds me of that ripple effect that light makes in pool water.

They actually call the patterning "turtleback" for the way the light dapples on the shells of turtles swimming in the shallows, @T L!

 

[Autumn in New England]

These stones are fabulous, @theredspinel!! I just adore the whale design too!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I think I know what you mean..a sparkly look when the light hits it just right. The larimar I have doesn’t have any light reflective qualities except for it’s polish. I know there are different grades and I’m not sure if there are glittery pieces out there.
I thought I’d share a picture of the other side of my slab.There are crusty areas that wouldn‘t work for the front side of a cabochon, but I think the pattern looks like a crashing wave.

Larimar can definitely show chatoyancy, which may account for the "sparkle" you sometimes see. Interesting slab! Love this thread... does anyone ever post about fine turquoise here? I fancy myself a turq connoisseur.

 

[theredspinel]

I love, love, LOVE larimar! So nice to see an opaque gem thread. Everyone's goodies are so beautiful, and I've thoroughly enjoyed admiring them all.

My favorite turtleback patterning.


With ivory (humanely and legally harvested).


A giant .


Handmade.


This specimen measures 5" across and 1.5" north-south in the middle... pretty to look at, but terribly uncomfortable to wear.


And here are some rings.

Wow your pieces are absolutely breath taking!!! I especially love the depth of colour in your first piece. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Thank YOU for opening the discussion, @theredspinel! I'd love to see photos of the ring, if you decide to purchase it.

 

[theredspinel]

Thank YOU for opening the discussion, @theredspinel! I'd love to see photos of the ring, if you decide to purchase it.

I did in fact order the ring and it’s come the very next day

Note, it’s the worst weather possible to take pictures because it’s extreamly dark outside but we work with what we’ve got! All images taken about 4m away from a north facing window, and I noticed they all came out a sea greenish blue; in reality the larimar is a purer blue (and a bit darker then shown) like your rings.

Mine also seems to be a bit translucent.

 

[theredspinel]

The pictures not showing translucency are the ones where I’m standing in front of the window blocking the light.

 

[bright&shiny]

Here are my two pieces: From Dana - Dominican republic silicate pictolite (Larimar) so pretty!

 

[2Neezers]

Larimar can definitely show chatoyancy, which may account for the "sparkle" you sometimes see. Interesting slab! Love this thread... does anyone ever post about fine turquoise here? I fancy myself a turq connoisseur.

Your pieces are gorgeous and you take great pictures! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for chatoyant larimar. I bet it’s beautiful to see in person.
Here’s a Show me your turquoise thread

Show me your turquoise jewelry!

We had a great time at the Indian Market today! Here is a photo of me and my good friend Rodney Coriz, whose jewelry I modeled last week. He sold the red coral piece early in the show. It is no exaggeration to say, you are extraordinarily beautiful. Wow! And nice as well! Amazing!

www.pricescope.com