Pectolite (Larimar)
Image: Ra'ike (see also: de:Benutzer:Ra'ike) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePectolite (Larimar)
Chemical FormulaNaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)
Mohs Hardness4.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100} and {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.8
Colorsblue, white, greenish-blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBarahona Province, Dominican Republic
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralscalcite, natrolite, prehnite, copper minerals
Rarityrare
Description
This image displays a polished, tumbled specimen of Larimar, exhibiting a striking blend of sky blue, white, and greenish-blue colors with subtle banding and some darker inclusions.
Geological Context
Larimar is a variety of pectolite that forms in cavities within basaltic volcanic rocks, typically as a secondary mineral associated with hydrothermal activity in vugs and fractures.
