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Know More About Tsavorite
Tsavorite is discovered in Kenya near Tsavo National Park and it gets its name from this region. Unlike emeralds, Tsavorite is less included making it sparkle more clearly. With excellent clarity, a high refractive index, and durability suitable for daily wear. This gem has become a favorite among collectors and designers seeking a naturally vivid alternative to emerald.
Core Attributes of Tsavorite
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ (Calcium Aluminum Silicate) |
| Colors | Bright green to deep forest green |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Refractive Index | 1.740 – 1.760 |
| Birefringence | None (Tsavorite is singly refractive) |
| Specific Gravity | 3.60 – 3.68 |
| Melting Point | Around 1,250°C – 1,300°C |
| Heat Resistance | Good, can withstand moderate heat but prolonged heat may affect color |
| Mohs Hardness | 7 – 7.5 |
Tsavorite Value
Unlike many green gems, Tsavorite is completely natural and not treated which adds to its high value. Its rich green tone, excellent brilliance, and limited availability make it a prized choice for collectors and fine jewelry.
The value of tsavorite mainly depends on its color, clarity, carat weight, and origin. Stones with vivid, deep green hues and high transparency are considered most valuable. While smaller stones are common, large tsavorites above 2 carats are can command premium prices. Its increasing popularity and limited supply continue to push its value higher in the gemstone market.
Tsavorite Origins
Tsavorite is a green garnet found mainly in East Africa. Tsavorite was first discovered in the late 1960s near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. While the Tsavo region in Kenya is its most famous source, high-quality tsavorites are also found in Tanzania and Madagascar.
These regions are rich in ancient rocks that formed under intense heat and pressure, perfect for creating Tsavorite. Though limited in sources, the gem's vibrant green color and natural brilliance make it a prized find worldwide.
Tsavorite Colors
Tsavorite is a rare and radiant green gemstone that belongs to the garnet family. Its color isn't just one single green. It ranges from soft minty hues to rich forest shades depending on how much chromium and vanadium it contains. Unlike many gems, tsavorite’s color is 100% natural with no heating or treatment involved. Each stone captures a unique tone of green. Here are the unique color variations of Tsavorite:
Bright Grass Green
A lively and youthful green with yellow undertones. This shade is most common in smaller tsavorites and offers a refreshing and energetic sparkle.
Intense Forest Green
This is vivid and rich in tone. It is the most valued color of tsavorite. It rivals emeralds with its saturation and clarity.
Lime Green
It has slightly yellow-green tone. It found in certain East African mines. These are often eye-catching in lighter settings.
Mint Green
Mint green tsavorites are soothing and elegant. While not the most valuable, they are ideal for soft, pastel jewelry.
Deep Emerald Green
These tsavorites have a darker body color with medium to high saturation. Though not as brilliant as the vivid greens they carry a regal and classic look.
Olive Green
It has slightly earthy, golden or brown hints. Olive green Tsavorites are often chosen for their vintage and organic look.
Tsavorite Cuts
Tsavorite Clarity
Clarity in tsavorite garnet is one of its standout features. Unlike many colored gemstones, tsavorite often forms with excellent internal transparency, especially in smaller sizes. Most tsavorites found in the market are eye-clean, meaning you won’t notice flaws without magnification.
What sets tsavorite apart is its untreated nature. It isn’t heat-treated or clarity-enhanced like emeralds or sapphires. The purity you see is exactly how it came from the earth. However, as the carat size increases, clean specimens become significantly rarer and prices rise sharply for those with flawless clarity. This makes high-clarity, larger tsavorites a smart investment.
Tsavorite Price Per Carat
Tsavorite is often mistaken for emerald but it’s actually tougher than emerald. Found mainly in East Africa, this gemstone stands out for its vibrant color, natural brilliance, and lack of treatments. Tsavorite remains surprisingly affordable compared to emeralds. The price of tsavorite depends on various factors including color saturation, clarity, carat size, and origin.
Below is a pricing based on market observations:
| Quality Grade | Color & Clarity | Approx. Price for 1 Carat (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Quality | Light green, visible inclusions | $150 – $300 |
| Good Quality | Medium green, slightly included | $300 – $600 |
| Fine Quality | Rich green, eye-clean | $600 – $1,200 |
| Premium Quality | Vivid deep green, excellent clarity | $1,200 – $2,500+ |
Tsavorite Care
Tsavorite may be tough compared to many gemstones but it's still a crystal that can chip if struck at the wrong angle. This gemstone is often cut with sharp edges to enhance brilliance which means extra care is needed to protect those corners. If you're setting it in a ring than consider protective settings like bezels or halos especially for everyday wear.
Unlike many green gems, tsavorite is untreated which makes it stable under normal light and temperature conditions. However, rapid temperature changes like jumping from a cold room to hot water can still cause stress. It’s also wise to avoid perfumes, hairspray, and lotions when wearing tsavorite jewelry as surface buildup can reduce its natural sparkle. A quick gentle wipe with a soft cloth after each wear goes a long way in preserving its brilliance.