Tsavorite

This exceptional vivid green gem from the Grossularite species of the Garnet family is as rare as its extraordinary beauty.  The arid hills running between Kenya and Tanzania, where Tsavorite is mined, is home to snakes and lions.

This are was once covered by oceans.  Layers of organic sediment were deposited eventually forming shale.  Intense heat and pressure from the shifting continental plates caused a metamorphous of the ocean floor, giving birth to the unusual gemstones of East Africa.

Tsavorite (also spelt Tzavorite) was originally discovered in 1967 by the British geologist Campbell R. Bridges in the remote regions of Tanzania. 

Due to the export laws of Tanzania at the time, Bridges searched for a suitable mining location and finally found an accessible area in Kenya in 1971.

The transparent gem struck the interest of Tiffany & Co. who was responsible for naming the gem and promoting it to U.S. consumers.

The stone was named by Henry Platt, the former president of Tiffany & Co who named it in honour of Tsavo National Game Preserve in Kenya.

Tsavorite boasts an intense green to yellowish green hue, its colour due to the presence of vanadium with traces of chromium.  The high refractive index, clarity, and durability make Tsavorite an attractive gem choice - rivalling the traditional green of Emerald.  According to the International Coloured Gemstone Association, "another positive characteristic is its robustness."

What makes Tsavorite so desirable? 

First of all there is its vividly brilliant green.  The colour scale shown by Tsavorite ranges from spring-like pale green via intensely bluish green to deep forest green.  These colours have an invigorating and fresh effect on the senses. 

The gem is also coveted because of its high brilliance.  Like all other Garnets it enjoys an especially high light refraction index.  Old legends claim that garnets where difficult to hide.  Their sparkling light was reported to be visible even trough clothes.

Tsavorites are not heated or oiled.  This is not necessary for this gemstone.  Like all other Garnets it is a piece of immaculate and pure nature.  Although showing a hardness similar to Emerald - circa 7 1/2 on the Mohs hardness scale – it is far less sensitive in its handling.

This is not only important for cutting and setting the stone, but also for wearing.  Tsavorite is less likely to become damaged or to splinter even as consequence of impact.  Due to its high brilliance, Tsavorite is an equal match for the classical stones like Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire.

Only occasionally a rough crystal of over 5 carats is found, so that cut Tsavorites are quite rare and very valuable starting from sizes of 2 carats on.  But the brilliance and luminosity of the stone are displayed even in smaller sizes.

It is really something special, this young gemstone with the ancient history.  Its bright and vivid green, excellent wearing and high brilliance at relatively affordable prices make it without doubt one of the most convincing and honest gemstones.

Cool and revitalizing, the crispness of green gems has long been symbolic of tranquility, hope, and luck.  If you are searching for a unique rare gem, Tsavorite is the stone for you.