Shifting plates of earth. Streams of molten lava. We have the raw power of volcanic activity to thank for many of the world's finest gemstones, and Larimar is no exception. The stone is thought to belong to the pectolite family - a hydrothermal mineral (which literally means "hot water".) It is totally unique in its mineral and chemical make-up; its copper ions create its vivid blue color.
It is believed that mineral-rich fluid forced its way into cracks and fissures formed by cooling lava. The exact processes are not known; many scientists believe carbonized (partially burned) trees played a role in the formation. We do know for certain that the fluid forced into these cavities cooled rapidly forming a gel. Small nuclei then appeared and crystallized, mixing and swirling to create reticulate patterns of blue and white, the hallmark of Larimar's spectacular patterning.
