LARIMAR; The Gem of the Caribbean
Larimar Stone
Larimar is a semi-precious stone found in a small area of the Dominican Republic. It is the only place in the world where this particular stone can be found.
It is a unique pectolite because of its colors which range from light-blue to green-blue. There are white streaks embedded in the stone that are reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. Looking at the stone is like peering at the clear blue seas of the Caribbean from above.
Larimar was named after Larissa “Lari” and mar, Spanish for “sea”. Larissa was the daughter of Miguel Mendez who, in 1974, discovered the pectolite stone in the Dominican Republic along with Norman Rilling.
The mining of Larimar is considered artisan because it can only be retrieved by skilled workers in small groups. The local citizens use minimal machinery and equipment to dig for the stone. The mining provides jobs and profits for the local villages. It plays an important role in the economic sustainability of the community.
Larimar is also said to have healing powers and is connected to the Throat Chakra.
Healing Properties of Larimar
Promotes calmness, helps reduce anxiety.
When placed next to your bed, it can improve sleep and insomnia.
The Throat Chakra and Larimar
The Chakras
Larimar is connected to the Throat Chakra. The Throat Chakra is the expression of your inner self. Your authentic self. It is the Chakra of communication, self-expression, and your life's purpose. Wearing a Larimar necklace would be most appropriate when you are ready to communicate your inner self to the world around you.
When your throat Chakra is right you’ll have no problem expressing your feelings or speaking honestly without the fear of what others may think. You’ll have positive feelings about your career, trade, or art. You’ll find your path.
When your throat Chakra is off or blocked you become shy and introverted. You may have feelings of unfulfillment or you will feel like you're not on the path to your life's purpose.
You could also have an overactive throat Chakra. This means you will talk too much, and your listening skills will not be intact. You may find yourself using your words to harm others. You might find yourself gossiping or talking about someone behind their back.
By wearing a Larimar gemstone necklace you will open up your throat Chakra. It will calm your mind and improve your self-confidence. It will reduce fears and guilt.
Marahlago:
Marahlago is a premier seller and designer of Larimar.
The owners Marah and Adrian stumbled onto the stone during one of their many sailing trips to the Dominican Republic. They came across an artisan villager selling pieces of jewelry and art from their stands. They saw an opportunity to open the stone to the world stage. Adrian had traveled extensively throughout Asia in his early 20s. He loved jewelry design and this became his passion.
They had found the local community gathering the brightly blue gems on the beach, which had washed down from the volcanic mountains. Adrian was struck by its clear blue beauty and began designing jewelry that very day with a sketchpad on the beach. He and Marah launched Marihlago in 2004.
Dominican Republic
Larimar is an ageless beauty. Adrian’s designs are the perfect compliment to the luminescent gem. Marahlago has captivated its wearers time and time again. Each piece carries the Marihlago trademark flower.
Many of the Larimar stones mined are flawed, but Marahlago craftsmen are committed to excellence. They will meticulously inspect the cuts and use only the stones that do not have cracks, discoloration, or dullness. Marihlago uses only the highest quality Larimar.
Sustainability:
Marihlago has created a partnership with the local community. Ensuring they are benefiting from the mined stones. As a result, over the years the lives of the villagers have improved drastically.
They once lived in tiny wooden shacks with tin roofs. Now they reside in cement, hurricane-proof, dwellings with satellite tv. Every piece of jewelry sold has a direct impact and improves the quality of life for the villagers of the small community.
I am proud to be an affiliate for Marahlago. They are a reputable company that promotes sustainability and enriches the community from which the Larimar stone is derived.
Value of Larimar:
The mining of Larimar is becoming rarer. The stone is mined out of a volcanic mountain in the DR. The mines run approximately 500 feet. Therefore there may be a limited supply and thus increasing the value of Larimar stones.
The stones used for the Marahlago jewelry are simply, cut, shaped, and polished to bring out the beauty of the natural stone.
If you would like to learn more about Larimar and mining. I found this interesting article on how blockchain technology is helping restore the legitimacy of mining Larimar: Atlantis Blue Project
Caring for your Larimar jewelry:
Gently clean with warm water and dish soap, using a silver polishing cloth. Avoid putting larimar in any kind of cleaning machine which may strip off the polish. With these simple steps, you will be able to keep your larimar beautiful and as good as new.
I hope you enjoyed this post and will consider Marahlago when you’re ready to purchase Larimar. Subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media. You can find ConsciousTraveler.CO on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.
