Grading Larimar & Pricing
Grading Gems: Understanding Larimar Quality
Gemstone grading traditionally relies on the “Four Cs”: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat (weight). These standards are widely used for transparent gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. However, Larimar is a translucent to opaque gemstone, and therefore its grading system differs.
At Amber International, we use a customized grading system for Larimar based on the following key criteria:
Color and Pattern – Includes hue intensity, saturation, and unique internal patterns
Purity – Evaluates the presence of foreign substances, stains, and impurities
Shape – Considers the symmetry and polish of the final cut
Weight – Measured in grams
Clarity – Indicates whether the stone is translucent or fully opaque
Grading Based on Rarity
As with all gemstones, rarity defines value. A Larimar cabochon with rare characteristics—such as vivid blue tones, clean surfaces, or unique patterns—will be given a higher grade. However, rarity doesn’t always equate to preference. The best Larimar for you is the one that appeals to your personal taste. A lower-grade stone might be more visually or spiritually meaningful to a collector or designer than the rarest high-grade specimen.
How Rough Larimar is Graded in the Dominican Republic
Larimar deposits often yield a wide range of qualities. For example, a miner may extract 100 pounds of rough Larimar and deliver it to a lapidarist for cutting. Once cut, the material is graded based on features like color, size, and purity. Larger stones are rarer and often graded higher due to their scarcity.
In the Dominican Republic, particularly in the Bahoruco region, rough Larimar is commonly graded using the following local terms:
Superior – Top-grade, vivid color, minimal impurities
Primera (First Class) – High-quality material, often vivid blue
Primera Regular – First-class with slightly more variation
Segunda Buena (Good Second Class) – Good but with more impurities or lighter color
Segunda Regular – Mid-tier with more flaws
Segunda Baja (Lower Second Class) – Lower quality, mixed color, or heavy inclusions
Tercera (Third Class) – Industrial-grade or highly flawed material
These grades are often estimated based on the exterior appearance of the rough stone. A buyer may purchase 100 pounds labeled as Primera, only to find after cutting that the material grades as Segunda—or in some cases, even Superior. The interior quality of Larimar is not always evident until the stone is cut.
A Real Example: Amber International Mining Operation
At Amber International, we once mined 245 pounds of Larimar and sorted it into three categories based on our internal grading system:
82 lbs – Primera
121 lbs – Segunda Buena
42 lbs – Segunda Regular
To ensure grading accuracy, we invited three independent associates to evaluate the same material—each at a different time, without prior knowledge of our classification. The results were as follows:
Associate One: 40 lbs Superior, 180 lbs Primera, 25 lbs Segunda Buena
Associate Two: 117 lbs Superior, 128 lbs Segunda Buena
Associate Three: 150 lbs Segunda Buena, 95 lbs Segunda Regular
All 245 pounds came from the same vein at the same depth within our Larimar mine. Yet, the evaluations varied significantly—highlighting how subjective and nuanced grading Larimar can be.
The Reality of Buying Rough Larimar
At the end of the day, buying rough Larimar is a gamble. Even with experience and trusted sources, you’re relying not just on what’s visible, but also on the honesty and integrity of the seller. What looks like a Primera-grade stone on the outside may turn out to be Segunda or worse after cutting—and sometimes, it might just surprise you as a Superior gem.
Grading Larimar Cabochons and Spheres
Color
With most semi-precious gemstones, color is the most important grading factor—and Larimar is no exception. The grading process begins by evaluating the most valuable and rare color tones, typically deep sky blues, electric blues, or stones with striking pattern contrast.
Our color reference chart provides an overview of the most sought-after color grades used in the industry. However, Larimar occurs in a wide range of shades and tones, and not every variation is represented in the chart. The chart serves as a general guide for buyers and sellers, helping to establish a standard for market value.
Note:
Grading is not one-size-fits-all. The method used to evaluate cabochons and spheres differs from the process used for raw material or slices. Each form showcases color, depth, and pattern in its own unique way, and must be assessed accordingly.
AAA1 – Volcano Blue Larimar
Volcano Blue is considered the rarest and most valuable Larimar color grade. It is estimated that less than 1% of all Larimar mined qualifies as Volcano Blue. This elite category is characterized not only by its intense, vivid blue hue, but also by a distinctive surface pattern known as “turtle back”, named for its resemblance to a turtle’s shell.
This grade is highly sought after by collectors and jewelers for its rarity, beauty, and unmistakable patterning.
AAA2 – Extreme Blue Larimar
Extreme Blue Larimar is a very rare and desirable grade, representing approximately 5% of all Larimar mined. Known for its rich, vibrant blue hue—slightly lighter than Volcano Blue—AAA2 Larimar is primarily used in high-end jewelry due to its stunning visual appeal.
This grade may feature the sought-after “turtle back” pattern, but it can also include Volcano Blue coloring without patterning, offering versatility and value to both collectors and designers.AAA2 stones are admired for their bold color, making them a premium choice in fine Larimar creations
AAA – Sky Blue Larimar
Sky Blue Larimar is the most popular and widely recognized color in the industry. While not as rare as AAA1 Volcano Blue or AAA2 Extreme Blue, it is still considered difficult to find in clean, high-quality form.
This beautiful, soft blue hue is the most sought-after color for both fine jewelry and serious collectors, prized for its balance of vibrancy and elegance.AAA Sky Blue Larimar is a timeless choice, combining availability with visual excellence.
AA – Blue Larimar
AA Blue is the most commonly sold grade of Larimar in the industry. While often marketed as “AAA” by many suppliers, true AAA-grade Larimar is typically reserved for pre-selected buyers, including high-end jewelers and elite Larimar collectors.
AA Larimar features a beautiful medium-to-light blue color, often with minimal white or green presence. It offers an excellent balance between quality, availability, and affordability, making it a top choice for commercial jewelry production.
This grade is widely available but still admired for its natural beauty and suitability for various design applications.
A – Light Blue to Green Larimar
Grade A Larimar features a light blue to slightly green hue, considered the lowest quality among blue-toned Larimar. This color is the most abundant variety found in the Bahoruco mine and is commonly available in local shops across the Dominican Republic.
While not rare, this grade is still appreciated for its affordability and natural beauty, making it ideal for casual jewelry and decorative use.
A-grade Larimar is perfect for buyers seeking genuine Larimar at a more accessible price point.
Just like its blue counterpart, Green Larimar appears in a range of shades—from pale, grayish-green to deep, vibrant emerald tones. While green Larimar is less popular in the general market, it can still command a premium pricewhen mixed with deep blues and when the stone exhibits sharp contrast and rich color saturation.
The most commonly found green Larimar features a light, muted tone, often with gray undertones. However, rare specimens with intense green and blue fusion are highly prized by collectors and designers seeking unique pieces.
Green Larimar is a niche yet valuable variant, especially when paired with striking patterns and bold color transitions.
Red Larimar
Red Larimar is a rare and striking variation of pectolite, distinguished by its higher concentration of copper, which gives it a red to reddish-brown hue. Though it is less popular in mainstream markets compared to blue or green Larimar, it holds a special place among collectors and designers seeking unusual and bold material.
Red Larimar falls under the category of Fancy Larimar, a term used for unique and uncommon varieties found in the mine.
Due to its inconsistent color distribution, the value of red Larimar varies widely. Stones with a bright, vivid red tone are highly prized and can fetch a premium price, while those with pale, muted, or patchy red coloring are more common and generally considered lower grade.
Red Larimar is an excellent choice for collectors who appreciate copper-rich specimens and the full geological diversity of the Larimar mine in the Dominican Republic.
White Larimar (White Pectolite)
White Larimar, also known as White Pectolite, is commonly found in small pieces or at the core center of Larimar formations. While pectolite occurs worldwide, gem-quality white pectolite—especially when semi-translucent or transparent—is extremely rare.
In the Larimar industry, white Larimar is not widely sought after, as it lacks the vibrant blues or greens that define the stone’s visual appeal. Additionally, white pectolite is softer than its colored counterparts, making it less suitable for cabbing or carving into spheres.
Though not a primary material for jewelry, White Larimar may appeal to collectors interested in the full mineralogical range of the Larimar mine.
Purity Grade – Phase Two of Larimar Grading
Purity Grade is the second key factor in the Larimar grading process, following color. This phase evaluates the presence of any foreign substances or stains within or on the surface of the stone—elements that detract from its visual appeal and overall value.
When assessing purity, we look for inclusions, impurities, or discolorations that are not part of the natural Larimar formation. These may appear as gray, brown, black, or off-tone spots that disrupt the consistency of the stone’s primary color. For example, a cabochon may qualify as AA Blue in color, but if it contains visible stains or impurities, its overall grade will be reduced based on purity.
Purity grading is most relevant when evaluating cabochons and beads, where the surface presentation is crucial. In contrast, when purchasing slices or rough Larimar, the size and location of the impurity must be considered in relation to the usable area of the piece.
A small imperfection in the corner of a large slice may have minimal impact, while the same impurity in the center of a cabochon could significantly reduce its value.
Key Factors in Purity Grading:
Presence of foreign material (e.g., iron stains, oxidation spots)
Amount and visibility of internal inclusions
Surface cleanliness and polish
Placement of impurities in relation to the designable area
Ultimately, higher purity means higher value, especially for pieces destined for fine jewelry. Purity Grade helps ensure buyers and sellers have a clear, consistent standard for evaluating and pricing Larimar gemstones.
Larimar Grading System – Purity Standards
A. Purity
The Larimar must be 100% free of any foreign substances, inclusions, or surface stains.
All sides, including the back, must be clean and free of imperfections.
A slight green hue is acceptable only if it enhances the overall quality and visual appeal of the stone.
B. Purity
The face of the Larimar cabochon must be 100% free of foreign substances or stains.
A slight green hue is acceptable if it contributes positively to the stone’s appearance.
The sides may contain up to 5% minor imperfections or impurities, as long as they do not detract from the visual appeal.
The back of the cabochon may have up to 15% impurity.
C. Purity
The front of the Larimar cabochon must be free of major impurities. Minor surface stains are acceptable if they contribute to a desirable look.
Up to 35% green coloration is acceptable if it enhances the overall visual quality.
The sides may have up to 15% imperfections or staining.
The back of the stone must be at least 75% clean, allowing for up to 25% impurities.
Secondary colors such as green, red, beige, gray, and prominent white pectolite are allowed on the back, provided they stay within the 25% impurity limit.
A unique or aesthetically appealing pattern may elevate the stone’s grade.
D. Purity
The front of the Larimar cabochon must be free of major impurities, though minor stains are acceptable if visually appealing.
Up to 35% green coloration is allowed if it enhances the stone’s appearance.
The sides may contain up to 35% imperfections or stains.
The back must be at least 50% clean, permitting up to 50% impurities.
Secondary tones like green, red, beige, gray, and heavy white pectolite are acceptable on the back, as long as they fall within the 50% impurity limit.
This grade is typically used for cabochons intended for jewelry where the sides and back are fully encased in settings such as silver or gold.
F. Purity
The Larimar must be at least 95% free of major impurities on the face.
Minor stains are acceptable on the front if they contribute to a desirable appearance.
Up to 35% green coloration is allowed if it enhances the overall aesthetic.
The sides may contain up to 55% imperfections or stains.
The back of the cabochon must be at least 40% clean, allowing up to 60% impurities.
Secondary colors such as green, red, beige, gray, and prominent white pectolite are acceptable on the back, as long as they remain within the 60% impurity threshold.
This grade is also suited for jewelry where the sides and back are fully covered by metal settings such as silver or gold.
G. Purity
The face of the Larimar cabochon must be at least 90% free of major impurities.
The remaining surfaces of the stone may contain up to 75% impurities, including a mix of assorted colors, cracks, and stains.
This grade is typically used for lower-visibility settings or for collectors seeking affordability over visual perfection.
PRICING The pricing chart is priced per gram. The chart is for pricing cabochons and spheres. Perforated sphere tend to have 5% premium of the listed prices.
Latest update May 1, 2025
Wholesale Price Chart As of May 2025
Larimar Cabochon and Sphere Wholesale Price Chart
Explore the Value of Dominican Larimar by Grade, Shape, and Quality
Understanding the price of Larimar depends on several key factors, including color grade, purity, shape, translucency, and weight. At Amber International, we follow a structured pricing model that reflects the rarity and quality of each Larimar piece, particularly in cabochons and spheres.
Below is a general Larimar price chart to help guide buyers, collectors, and jewelers through the valuation process.
Wholesale Price Chart: Prices are based on the average wholesale rates that Larimar cabochons are sold for in the open market and at trade shows worldwide.
Larimar Cabochon Price Guide (Per Gram) RETAIL PRICES
| Grade | Color Quality | Purity | Price Range (USD/gram) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA1 | Volcano Blue + Turtle Back | 95–100% Pure | $40–$80 | Rarest Larimar, less than 1% of total mined |
| AAA2 | Extreme Blue | 90–100% Pure | $25–$50 | Highly sought for high-end Larimar jewelry |
| AAA | Sky Blue | 85–95% Pure | $15–$35 | Most popular for collectors and jewelers |
| AA | Medium Blue | 75–90% Pure | $8–$20 | Most commonly sold Larimar cabochon |
| A | Light Blue / Green Tint | 60–80% Pure | $3–$10 | Entry-level Larimar, widely available |
Fancy Larimar, see our extensive and never seen before collection and images of fancy larimar.
