Tsavorite

Tsavorite is Emerald's more attractive friend that for some reason just is not as popular. All gemstones are special in their own way, so we don't want to compare apples to pears too much. But when it comes to deep green stones, we are just biased towards Tsavorites! Unlike the more popular Emerald, Tsavorite is not treated to enhance color or clarity. It’s also by far more rare and has more sparkle than Emerald.

Tsavorite 101

Tsavorite is a green variety of grossular garnet. The green color is due to traces of chromium or vanadium. Tsavorite has a natural deep green hue and does not need enhancements to achieve the desired color. Although generally clean, some Tsavorites do contain inclusions.

Tsavorite was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and is named after the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya. Today Tsavorite is mined in Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.

What makes Tsavorite special?

Tsavorite has a higher refractive index and a higher dispersion than Emerald. These two properties determine how much the stone shines and sparkles as light travels through it and unlike the "sleepy" Emerald, Tsavorite is a true show stopper. There is a range of greens available: the stone can be a paler spring-green all the way to an intense deep forest-green, giving a variety of options.

Is Tsavorite rare?

The gemstone is at least a thousand times rarer than Emerald. This is especially true for Tsavorites that are over 3 carats. The stone is only mined in East Africa and deposits are rather small, making it a better fit for small collections and one-of-a-kind pieces than mass produced jewelry that requires a constant supply of large quantities of gemstones.

Tsavorite is a "new" gemstone. Unlike many other gemstones, it has only been used commercially since the 1970s, and even though it is rarer and superior in most of its physical properties than Emerald, most people simply don't know it is there as an excellent alternative to the rather dull, heavily included relative. A true hidden gem, Tsavorite is an excellent opportunity to stand out!

What should I know before buying Tsavorite jewelry?

While Tsavorite is similar in hardness to Emerald (7.25 to 7.5 on Mohs Scale), it's crystal structure makes it much tougher and more durable. This means, Tsavorite is less likely to crack with wear and tear and is safer to cut in a variety of shapes. However, Tsavorites should still be treated with care, as they can scratch. They should also never be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners or be exposed to extreme heat. To clean Tsavorite jewelry, just use delicate soap and warm water.

If you are looking to expand your gemstone jewelry collection, our Cherry Dangle Earrings are the perfect start!