Exploring the Journey of The World Rare Tsavorite Garnet: A Gemstone Guide

Meaning of Tsavorite

Tsavorite is variety of green Grossular. Grossular is the garnet species. Tsavorite is basically a calcium aluminum silicate. It has trace amounts of chromium or vanadium giving it the green color. The amount of trace element defines the intensity of the green color in Tsavorite Garnet. The intense green hue sometimes resembles emerald. This increases the value of tsavorite. The crystals of tsavorite garnets are generally small. Tsavorite is rarer than emerald. Faceted tsavorite garnets are commonly only a few carats, and large faceted stones are extremely rare. Tsavorite hardness is 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.

History of Tsavorite Garnets

Tsavorite stands as one of the ancient treasures within the realm of gemstones, yet its presence in the market is relatively recent. Its origins date back over two billion years, preceding the formation of Africa's highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the reign of the dinosaurs.

In 1967, British geologist Campbell R. Bridges unearthed this gemstone, catching the attention of Harry Platt from Tiffany & Company in New York. Named after the Tsavo Game Reserve in Kenya, where it was discovered, Tsavorite was recognized for its remarkable gemological attributes. While Tanzania and Kenya both yield Tsavorite, the finest vivid green specimens are found in the heart of Tsavo, Kenya.

Locations of Tsavorite | Source of Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite garnets primarily originate from two main deposits: one near the Scorpion Mine, situated close to Tsavo National Park in Kenya, and the other in the Merelani Hills within the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The first discovery of tsavorite garnets took place in the Tuléar Province of Madagascar in 1991.

How Tsavorite Garnet Gets Its Green Color?

Tsavorite belongs to the family of garnets. Grossular is one of the calcium garnets, forming the Ugrandite group with Andradite and Uvarovite. Grossular Garnet is available in varied tones of brown, green, and pink. In addition to Tsavorite, other members of the Grossular family include Hessonite, Mali Garnet, and Merelani Mint Garnet.

Vanadium and chromium, two substances also present in emeralds, give tsavorite its colour. The degree of green in tsavorite is caused by vanadium and chromium, while iron is shown by yellow tones.

Tsavorite Stone Properties | Chemical / Technical Properties of Tsavorite Gemstones

Chemical Formula: Ca3Al2Si3O12
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Colour: Green
Double Refraction: None
Crystal System: Isometric
Specific Gravity: 3.6
R.I: 1.738 - 1.745
Transparency: Transparent
Luster: Vitreous to Adamantine
Cleavage: None

What are Geological Occurrences of Tsavorite Garnet?

The genesis of tsavorite garnet is intertwined with the geological dynamics of the Mozambique Orogenic Belt. Within this belt, rocks undergo metamorphic transformations induced by tectonic forces and the convergence of continental plates, resulting in deposits abundant in precious gemstones.

The origin of tsavorite garnets relies heavily on high-grade metamorphic rocks prevalent in the Mozambique Belt, coupled with chemical components such as vanadium and chromium. These constituents play a vital role in imparting the characteristic green hue to garnet crystals.

The extraction of tsavorite presents significant challenges due to its remote and rugged locations. Many small-scale mining endeavors depend on manual labor and rudimentary tools. While East Africa remains the primary epicenter of tsavorite production, trace amounts have been discovered in Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.

See a vivid green Tsavorite example

A small, round brilliant parcel offers a practical way to compare color, cut, and collector appeal.

View the 3-carat Tsavorite garnets

Tsavorite Garnet Price Guidelines | Value of Tsavorite Stone

To give you an idea, in ideal circumstances, rings with 2+ carats might cost between $1,000 and $1,900. Prices can surpass $7,000 to $8,000 per carat for genuinely rare 5+ carat stones. The degree of green colour, discernible inclusions, and size are all considered when determining Tsavorite Garnet value.

The gemstone is frequently discovered with gneiss, schist, and marble subjected to extreme heat and pressure deep below the Earth's crust.

Tsavorite primarily originates from East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya. The first recorded discovery of Tsavorite was made in 1967 by Scottish gemologist Campbell Bridges in the Taita Hills area of Tanzania's Tsavo National Park. Later, substantial deposits were also found in Kenya.

Treatments of Tsavorite

Tsavorite gemstones are not treated for color enhancement. They always come in natural colors.

Similar Gemstones as of Tsavorite

In color variations, tsavorite first resembles Emerald. It is also close in color to green Tourmaline. The lighter and yellowish green stone can look like Peridot. In intense green, tsavorite garnets look like demantoid.

Tsavorite Garnet as a Birthstone

January's birthstone is a garnet. Tsavorite is from the garnet mineral group. Due to its green color and resemblance to emerald, it can also be considered for May, when emerald is a birthstone.

Learn about birthstones here

Tsavorite Garnet as a Healing Stone | Healing Properties of Tsavorite

Tsavorite carries various physical, spiritual, and wellness benefits in traditional belief. It is said to help with emotional recovery, prosperity, and the heart chakra.

However, keep in mind, these are only myths and general observations. There is no scientific proof of them.

Beyond Beauty: Unraveling the Mysteries and Meanings of Garnet Gemstones. Learn more about garnets

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