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The Gemstone Tsavorite (Garnet)

Tsavorite is a trade name for the emerald-green variety of Grossular Garnet that originates in Africa. Tsavorite has become one of the most popular and expensive Garnets, due to its rarity combined with effective marketing tactics. This gemstone was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. It was subsequently found in the same geological formation across the border in Kenya in 1970 near Tsavo National Park, a wildlife preserve in the African Serengeti, and given its name after the national park. Tsavorite was named by both Campbell Bridges, the discoverer of Tsavorite, and by Henry Platt, the president of Tiffany & Co. (one of the world's largest jewelry companies).

Color

Green

Hardness

7 - 7.5

Chemical Formula

Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂

Mineral Class

Grossular (Garnet)

Additional Properties

Crystal System
Isometric

Refractive Index
1.738 - 1.745

Double Refraction
None

Transparency
Transparent

SG
3.6

Luster
Vitreous to Adamantine

Cleavage None

All About

Tsavorite was discovered by Scottish geologist Campbell R. Bridges, a consultant for Tiffany & Co. Both deposits in Kenya and in Tanzania were discovered by Bridges, and this new gemstone was first named and marketed to the jewelry industry in 1974. (Bridges was tragically murdered by thugs in 2009 on his property near the African gem deposits.)

The color of Tsavorite can rival Emerald. Unlike Emerald, it often exhibits far fewer inclusions, and on occasion can be flawless. It is much rarer in nature then Emerald, and large Tsavorite gemstones command a high premium. The best Tsavorite color is a deep emerald green; lighter tones and yellowish hues are less desirable. The green coloring is caused by trace amounts of the elements chromium or vanadium in its chemical structure. Tsavorite is usually fluorescent a light cream-yellow color in ultraviolet light.

Uses

Tsavorite makes a fine rare green gemstone, and is used in various forms of jewelry, especially in rings, earrings, and pendants.

Treatments & Enhancements

Tsavorite gemstones are not enhanced, and their colors are always natural.

The Gemstone Tsavorite (Garnet) Sources

The two primary deposits of Tsavorite are the Scorpion Mine in Taita, near the Tsavo National Park, Kenya; and in the Merelani Hills, Arusha Region, Tanzania. Tsavorite was also discovered in Tuléar Province, Madagascar, in 1991.

Similar Gemstones

The color of Tsavorite can resemble Emerald and green Tourmaline. Lighter and yellowish stones resemble Peridot. Tsavorite can also resemble Demantoid, though Demantoid is usually a more olive-green color.