Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite is a radiant green variety of grossular garnet, adored for its fiery brilliance, rich colour, and natural rarity. Unlike many green gemstones, Tsavorite garnet is entirely untreated; its vivid colouris caused by vanadium and chromium within its crystalline structure. Discovered in the late 1960s near the border of Kenya and Tanzania, Tsavorite's story is very intriguing (read our blog to learn more).

Chemical Composition: Calcium Aluminum Silicate – Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃

Crystal System: Cubic

Refractive Index: 1.73 to 1.75

Specific Gravity: 3.40 to 3.80

Double Refraction: None (singly refractive)

Mohs Hardness: 7.25

Lustre: Vitreous

Tsavorite garnet is primarily sourced from East Africa, with notable deposits in Kenya's Tsavo region (where it gets its name) and Tanzania's Merelani Hills. The region's unique geological conditions, shaped by ancient tectonic activity and metamorphism, led to the gem's formation.

Tsavorite can be used in an engagement ring with some care. With a hardness of 7.25 on the Mohs scale and good toughness and durability, it is a relatively hardy gemstone that will easily endure the knocks and bumps of everyday life. A protective setting such as a bezel, half-bezel or halo is recommended to shield the stone from knocks. For someone who values rarity, natural colour, and unique origin, Tsavorite is a deeply meaningful and alternative engagement gem that is often used in lieu of an emerald.

Tsavorite's value hinges on colour, clarity, carat weight, and quality of cut. The most prized Tsavorite exhibit a vivid, saturated green with a touch of blue or yellow undertone, never too dark or overly light. Clean stones over 2 carats are rare, and anything above 3 carats is considered exceptional. Unlike emeralds, Tsavorite is typically eye-clean and never heated or treated, which adds to its value in the high-end gemstone market.

Tsavorite is celebrated for being untreated and unenhanced, a rarity among coloured gemstones. Unlike emerald, which is often oiled or filled to improve clarity, Tsavorite's colour and clarity are entirely natural. Its unaltered state is a major reason why it's so sought-after by gemstone purists.

The rarest Tsavorites are those that surpass 3 carats in weight, possess intense vivid green colour, and are flawless to the naked eye. Fine specimens of this calibre are extremely limited, making them highly coveted. Occasionally, Tsavorites with a pure forest green hue and no secondary tones command a premium. Exceptional gems from early Kenyan mines are also highly collectable.

Although garnet is the traditional birthstone for January, Tsavorite, being a green variety of grossular garnet, makes a unique and luxurious alternative to the more common red almandine and rhodolite garnets.

Tsavorite is often associated with abundance, vitality, and growth. Its verdant hue connects it with nature and the heart chakra, symbolising both emotional healing and spiritual prosperity.

Natural Tsavorites often contain subtle internal characteristics like fingerprint inclusions or growth tubes, and they are not treated or enhanced. While lab-created Tsavorites do not exist commercially, imitation stones, such as green glass, can be sold under the name of Tsavorite. The safest way to confirm the authenticity of a gemstone is through a gemological certificate or assessment from a trusted dealer or gemologist.