Tsavorite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

What is Tsavorite?

Although named after the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, tsavorite (sometimes called tsavolite) was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. This variety of grossular garnet became a popular gemstone via a marketing campaign by Tiffany & Co. in the 1970s. Tsavorites receive their prized green color from traces of vanadium (principally) and chromium.

Tsavorite rough and cut set. Crystal, 3.3 x 3.2 x 1.6 cm; trilliant step-cut gem, 0.87 cts. Tsavo National Park, Kenya. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Does Tsavorite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Like many garnets, tsavorites make good engagement ring stones that typically don't require protective settings. Tsavorites can rival emeralds in color and also have greater dispersion and brilliance and can match their hardness, usually without inclusions.

Identifying Characteristics

Tsavorite from Lualenyi, Kenya has a refractive index (RI) of 1.743 and a specific gravity (SG) of 3.61 (mean). Inert in ultraviolet (UV) light, it contains a trace of chromium and a significant amount of vanadium.

Are There Any Synthetic Tsavorite Garnets?

Tsavorite hasn't been synthesized. However, green glass as well as green yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG), a synthetic garnet, have been used as simulants.

Normally, these gemstones don't receive any treatments or enhancements, which makes them very desirable to collectors and enthusiasts of natural gems.

Where are Tsavorites Found?

Commercial sources for gem-quality tsavorites include Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar. Small deposits also occur in Pakistan and Queen Maud Land, Antarctica.

Sizes

Clean tsavorites over one carat are rare. However, in 2006, a crystal weighing 925 cts (185 g) was discovered in Tanzania. It yielded an oval, brilliant step-cut 325-ct gem, likely the largest clean specimen ever discovered.

Caring for Tsavorite Jewelry

Although generally clean, some tsavorites do contain inclusions. Gems with fluid inclusions shouldn't be cleaned with mechanical systems or exposed to extreme heat. Instead, use warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. (This advice applies to garnets in general). Consult our gem care guide and jewelry cleaning guide for more information.