Dominican Republic Larimar Stone
This semiprecious stone called Larimar or "the blue cool stone" is unique
to the Dominican Republic and the only mines here are in the South West.
The first commercial supplier
of the stone named it after his daughter, Lari, combined with EL MAR
(the Ocean).
This stone is reputed to have
a calming affect on the wearer.
Today the stone is mined commercially and available at very reasonable prices throughout the Dominican Republic's Jewelry and retail stores.
In contrast to Ambers honey Golden appearance this stone is most commonly a shade of blue similar to a sky blue although it can vary in color to a rich blue.
The cool blue stone is considered a healing stone,
and said to be finely tuned to the human body particularly to the
throat area.
It is said that it increases speech and communication
skills and supports the body's natural healing process.
People who believe in this have been known to wear this stone as
jewelry or to put pieces of the stone in their pockets or under their
pillows.
Some even consider this stone a good luck charm and never leave home without it.
Larimar is also
called the Atlantis Stone, because a Spiritual master who lived in
Trinidad and Tobago and who founded many Yoga Centers around
the world, claimed that some islands in the Caribbean
including the Dominican Republic were part of the lost continent of Atlantis.
He went further to say that on one of those islands a blue stone with
healing powers would be found; a description that corresponds to the
"cool blue stone".
Today, there are thousands of people, naturalists and people
practicing alternative and holistic healing methods, who use
the blue stone to assist and reinforce healing processes.
Mines
|
To witness the stone being extracted from the
earth, turn inland at the small village of Arroyo between Playa
Quemaito and Playa Baroruco
on highway 44 south of Barahona and follow a rough
road for about 8KM (5 miles)
west into the village of Jose Joaquin. |
 Larimar Stone |
The Mines are occasionally closed, so check with your hotel before heading up there.
In this area, locals offer small pieces of unpolished Larimar stone for
sale at the roadside.
A travel to the mines of Larimar is an extraordinary experience.
The place appears after a long adventure ride on an off-road vehicle over dirty and stony roads, in a village that brings memories of centuries past long ago.
Museum /Museo Larimar Dominicano
 Dominican Stone |
Find out how
the stone is mined in the south western Dominican Republic in the
second floor museum here, then have ample opportunity to browse and buy
stones in a variety of shapes and of mixed quality and some Amber
jewelry. |
The first floor offers Amber earrings, beads, and bracelets.
They also offer raw blue stone polished and unpolished pieces as well
as Larimar jewelry.
Address - Calle Isabella La Catolica 54
Telephone Number - 809-689-6605
Larimar Stone
