Pectolite
The most famous variety of pectolite in the jewelry industry is the blue (light blue) stone from the Dominican Republic, known by its official gem name, "Larimar." Discovered in 1974 in a mine in the village of Los Chupaderos, it is also referred to as "soda wollastonite."
Larimar (pectolite) characterized by its beautiful blue color
Basic Information
| English Name | Pectolite |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Soda Wollastonite |
| Chemical Formula | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
| Hardness | 4.5–5 |
| Specific Gravity | Approx. 2.8 |
| Transparency | Translucent to Opaque |
Features & Varieties
- Larimar: The gem name for blue (light blue) pectolite from the Dominican Republic.
- Fibrous Structure: Consists of sodium and calcium in a fibrous aggregate state.
- Girasol Pectolite: Varieties exhibiting a cat's-eye effect, often seen in pink stones.
- Pink color: Colored by the presence of manganese (Mn).
Origin, Aliases, Treatments & Similar Stones
Primary Origins: Dominican Republic (Los Chupaderos), Czech Republic, etc.
Aliases: Larimar, Caribbean Turquoise, Pectolite Jade (blue-green varieties).
Treatment: Dyeing (white pectolite can be dyed due to its fibrous structure).
Similar Stones: Wollastonite, Zeolite, Xonotlite.
Note: Blue aragonite is often confused with Larimar; however, aragonite will fizz and dissolve when exposed to acid.