How to Tell if Your Larimar is Real: A Buyer’s Guide

Larimar is one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones in the world, known for its ocean-like blue hues and calming energy. But with its rising popularity, fake Larimar has also made its way into the market. If you're looking to invest in authentic Larimar jewelry, knowing how to spot real vs. fake Larimar is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through key tests and expert tips to help you identify genuine Larimar so you can shop with confidence.

1. Check the Color and Pattern

🔹 Genuine Larimar exhibits a range of blues—from sky blue to deep oceanic hues—with white marbling or cloud-like patterns.
🔹 Fake Larimar often looks too uniform, overly bright, or lacks the characteristic wave-like texture.
🔹 Beware of solid-colored stones—natural Larimar always has a unique mix of shades and patterns.

Pro Tip:

If a stone looks too perfect, with an identical pattern across multiple pieces, it may be dyed or synthetic.

2. Perform the Light Test

Hold the Larimar stone up to a bright light source:

✅ Real Larimar: Slightly translucent in some areas, but not completely see-through.
❌ Fake Larimar: Often fully opaque or overly translucent, indicating dyed glass or resin.

3. Conduct a Scratch Test (Only if Permitted)

Larimar has a hardness of 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is softer than quartz but harder than plastic or glass.

✔ If you lightly scratch it with a steel knife or coin, real Larimar may show a slight mark but won't flake or peel.
❌ Fake Larimar (often made of dyed resin or plastic) will scratch easily or reveal a different color underneath.

⚠ Important: Always ask for permission before performing a scratch test on a purchased piece!

4. Look for Authenticity Certificates

Reputable Larimar sellers provide certificates of authenticity or guarantees confirming that their stones are sourced from the Dominican Republic, the only place where true Larimar is found.

📌 Pro Tip: If a seller cannot verify the origin of their Larimar, proceed with caution.

5. Feel the Temperature

Genuine Larimar is a natural mineral, meaning it should feel cool to the touch, similar to other real gemstones.

🔥 Fake Larimar (Plastic or Resin) will quickly warm up when held in your hand.
🌊 Real Larimar retains its coolness for longer, just like a real stone.

6. Test for UV Fluorescence

Under UV light (black light), real Larimar often glows a soft white or pale blue.

✅ Authentic Larimar – May have a slight fluorescence under UV light.
❌ Fake Larimar – May not glow at all or could appear unnaturally bright.

7. Check the Price – If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Probably Fake

Larimar is a rare gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic. AAA-grade Larimar (deep blue with strong marbling) is particularly scarce and valuable.

📌 Warning Signs:
❌ Extremely cheap Larimar jewelry ($10-$20 for a large, "high-quality" piece) is usually fake or low-grade.
❌ Mass-produced Larimar from unknown sources often contains dyed howlite or synthetic stones.

💎 Quality Larimar is an investment! If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Final Thoughts – Shop with Confidence!

Now that you know how to identify authentic Larimar, you can shop confidently and ensure you're getting a true piece of the Caribbean.

At AlwaysVerano, we offer 100% genuine, ethically sourced Larimar jewelry, handcrafted with AAA-grade stones and 925 sterling silver. Each piece comes with a quality guarantee, so you can experience the magic of Larimar with peace of mind.

🌊 Explore Our Collection & Own a Piece of the Ocean! 🌊

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Own a Piece of History – Shop Authentic Larimar Jewelry

At AlwaysVerano, we take pride in offering 100% authentic AAA Larimar jewelry, ethically sourced and handcrafted with solid 925 sterling silver. Each piece is a unique treasure, designed to bring you the beauty and energy of the Caribbean Sea.

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