Characteristics of Pectolite:

Chemical Name: Sodium calcium silicate

Formula: NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH)

Colors: Colorless, white, bluish, greenish

Structure: Triclinic

Hardness: 4.5-5

Specific Gravity: 2.8-2.9

Refractive Index: 1.59-1.64

Lustre: Vitreous to silky

Streak: White

Locations: Dominican Republic, Canada, Greenland, Russia, England, USA

What is Pectolite? 

Pectolite is widely found in Canada, England and the USA, but gem-quality crystals are relatively scarce. Rare faceted stones tend to have internal veils and cloudy areas, and a banded Peruvian variety is sometimes cut en cabochon. The type most widely used as a gem is known as Larimar, a blue-to blue-green variety found only in the Caribbean. Other forms of Pectolite are found in many locations, but none has the unique coloration of Larimar. Most Pectolite jewelry uses silver but, occasionally, high-grade Larimar is set in gold.