Pectolite is a white to gray mineral. It crystallizes in the triclinic system typically occuring in radiated or fibrous crystalline masses. It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5 to 5 and a specific gravity of 2.7 and 2.9. The gemstone variety, larimar is a pale to sky blue.
Occurrence[]
In 1828, Pectolite was first described at Mt. Baldo, Trento Province, Italy and named from the Greek pektos meaning "compacted" and lithos meaning "stone".
It occurs as a primary mineral in nepheline syenites, within hydrothermal cavities in basalts and diabase and in serpentinites in association with zeolites, datolite, prehnite, calcite and serpentine. It is found in a wide variety of worldwide locations.
Pectolite is a nice specimen type mineral, meaning that it can form interesting specimens from time to time. However it was not all that well-regarded until a variety was discovered in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. It has been given the trade name Larimar and has enjoyed success in the semi-precious stone market.