Larimar vs Turquoise: What Are They, And What's The Difference?

Stones are not mere hard material with a rough texture and dull colors.

The earth has stored some very rare and precious stones in it.

Such stones consist of infuriating textures and have bright and vibrant colors, which make them highly appealing and pretty for one to wear as jewelry.

Larimar vs Turquoise (EXPLAINED)

Here we have some very interesting and rare stones to talk about that are not only beautiful to see.

But these stones are used as jewelry, which gives an elegant look to the wearer.

Those two stones, which are Larimar and Turquoise, are often the same in many things but also share some differences.

What is Larimar?

Larimar, which is also known as blue pectolite, is a very rare and precious gemstone.

It has a beautiful blue color which resembles the bright blue color of the sky and the sea.

This stone often resembles turquoise sometimes.

According to the Mohs scale, its hardness is from 5 to 7.

Larimar has an opaque structure.

Light doesn’t pass through it.

It is a prominent proof of the original Larimar that light won’t pass and will diffract in some other direction.

Where is Larimar found?

Larimar is only found near the Caribbean Sea near the Dominican Republic.

It was named after the daughter (Larina) of a man who discovered it and mar means sea in Spanish due to its oceanic blue color.

By which it got its name Larimar.

The mine near the city of Barahona in the southwestern Dominican Republic is the one that gives out the 100% natural and original Larimar which is placed near the volcano.

How is Larimar formed?

The gemstone Larimar is the result of volcanic activity when the mixture of minerals cools and crystallizes in the hydrothermal fluid.

It is thought that Larimar was shaped by super hot minerals with liquid that was constrained into splits and crevices shaped by structural movement.

As the liquid in these cavities cooled, little crystalline cores called spherulites are shaped.

As the liquid kept on cool the spherulites blended into a gel which inevitably solidified into Larimar.

Studies have appeared that fine stretched and elongated needles demonstrate the fast cooling happening.

However, the large grains within the white zone show that more liquid entered the void and at a cooled slower rate.

Is Larimar a spiritual healer?

Larimar is a semiprecious gemstone that is also known for its healing powers.

It is believed that Larimar is the gemstone that drags away the stress and anxiety of the day and opens the heart.

Larimar is connected with metaphysical attributes that consider it a healing gemstone and is said to be completely tuned into the human body, especially to the throat range.

It is said that it increases discourse and communication aptitudes and bolsters the body’s natural healing system.

People who believe in this have been known to wear Larimar gems as jewelry or to put pieces of Larimar stone in their pockets or beneath their pillows.

Let’s Talk Turquoise

Just like Larimar, a mineral named turquoise is also opaque and appears in many shades of green and blue and sometimes mixed with yellow.

Turquoise, according to the Mohs scale, comprises a hardness under 6.

Through a span of a long time, it has been cherished as a gemstone.

The ancient individuals of isolated regions that include Asia, Africa, South and North America made turquoise more important to them by which they started making ornaments and jewelry.

Chemical properties of Turquoise

Chemically, turquoise is said to be a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.

The only important use of turquoise since now is in the making of ornamental objects and jewelry.

However, the way it gets used to having such an impact and popularity that English dialects use to word turquoise as a title of somewhat high-quality turquoise commonly found in greenish blue color.

Where Turquoise Is Found?

Turquoise shapes best in a dry climate, which decides the topography sources of turquoise.

South eastern United States, Chile, Mexico, Iran, Egypt and China make most of the world’s turquoise.

The turquoise is a rare and well-formed precious gemstone.

Turquoise is usually a cluster of microcrystals which are closely bound together.

As a result, the turquoise possesses lower porosity, is tougher, and shines with a bright lustrous surface.

Due to this, its nature has changed to subvitreous because of what people call it waxy.

In What Colors Is Turquoise Available?

Blue minerals are uncommon, which is why the gemstone market has captured much consideration of turquoise.

Sky blue or robin’s egg blue is the foremost alluring color of turquoise.

Due to high quality mined fabric, some people portray it as a “Persian blue”, which is presently known in Iraq.

When the stone is mined or found in that area or region, the gem material should only be employed with geographic title then.

Caring for Larimar and Turquoise

Like numerous other gemstones, Larimar also requires some special care.

If the gemstone remains exposed to the sunlight for a long time, it can affect its color and make it blur.

Certain chemicals can cause it to alter color as well, so in order to keep the color intact, use a soft piece of cloth with water to clean.

Larimar is, however, a delicate and soft stone that can get broken on hitting a hard surface, so it is better to carry it with precaution.

Whereas, turquoise is regularly permeable with the capacity to retain fluids.

These fluids can incorporate sweat, body oil, cleaning items, or any fluid that accidentally comes in contact with the gemstone.

Once absorbed, these liquids can harm the turquoise or modify its color.

If the turquoise gets in contact with some cosmetic liquid or some liquid that can harm it.

Wash the turquoise with some soft cloth with a solution of mild soap that has been hosed in plain water and afterward dry the turquoise and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.