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Silicates & Quartz

Pectolite

What it is

A sodium-calcium silicate typically found as white radiating crystal clusters. The stunning blue variety from the Dominican Republic is known as larimar — one of the rarest gemstones, found in only one location on Earth.

How it forms

Forms in cavities within volcanic basalt when hot sodium-calcium-rich fluids crystallize. Larimar's blue color comes from copper substituting for calcium.

NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)

Specimens

1 stone