Tsavorite is a gemstone in the garnet family known for its beautiful green colour that ranges from vivid, intense green to deep forest green. Its striking colour, brilliance, and rarity make it a sought-after rare choice for jewellery.
Numerous sources indicate that tsavorite was discovered in 1967 by Scottish gemologist Campbell Bridges near Tsavo National Park in Tanzania. Later, larger deposits were found in Kenya, particularly in the Voi, Taita Taveta Hills, and Kuranze regions.
Formation
Tsavorite forms in metamorphic rocks under particular geological conditions. Its creation is associated with the Mozambique Orogenic Belt, a region known for tectonic activity and the collision of continental plates.
It forms under specific conditions such as the presence of high-grade metamorphic rocks like those in the Mozambique Belt responsible for giving the garnet crystals their green colour.
Tsavorite is usually found with rocks like gneiss, schist, and marble, which have been exposed to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. The green colour of tsavorite comes from vanadium and chromium in its crystal structure.
Tsavorite is known for its vivid green colour that is often compared to emeralds. However, it has a brighter and more intense green hue. According to the gem’s official website, the green garnet is at least a thousand times rarer than the Emerald.
The green garnet is usually clear to slightly cloudy and often has good clarity with few visible flaws. High-quality tsavorite with clear appearance is highly valued and can show different colours when viewed from different angles.
Mining
Mining tsavorite is tough as it is located in remote, rugged areas. Most mining is done by hand with basic tools, and miners often face difficult conditions while extracting tsavorite from hard rock.
Tsavorite is highly valued and sought after in the world of jewellery. Its stunning green colour, rarity, and durability make it an excellent choice for various types of jewellery pieces.
Some impressive tsavorite sales include Sh. 1,113,582 for a 3.15-carat gem and Sh. 632,862 for a 6.75-carat gem. According to the Rare Gemstone Company, the largest and clearest tsavorite ever recorded is a 325.14-carat gem, worth more than Sh. 259 million.
While East Africa is the primary source of the most valuable tsavorite, small deposits of the gemstone have also been discovered in other regions around the world, including Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.
Common Uses of Tsavorite
- Rings
- Earrings
- Necklaces and pendants
- Bracelets and bangles
- Brooches and pins
- Jewellery sets
List of most precious minerals mined in Kenya
Famous World Tsavorite Gemstones
1. The Malila Tsavorite
Weighing 325 carats, it is one of the most renowned green garnet gemstones globally. Known for its deep green colour, it was named after Malila, a legendary storyteller from Kenya’s Tsavo region.
2. The Greenland Tsavorite
Found in Greenland in 1998, this tsavorite gemstone weighs over 100 carats, it’s a vivid green gem and is considered one of the largest and finest tsavorites ever discovered.
3. The William Goldberg Tsavorite Necklace
This necklace features pear-shaped tsavorite gemstones set in platinum with diamonds. It displays the bright green colour of tsavorite and has been worn by celebrities at red carpet events.
4. Ophir Collection
A famous collection of tsavorite jewellery by luxury jeweller Gemfields includes rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, all showcasing stunning tsavorite gemstones.