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Learn About Gems
Tsavorite
Vibrant green Tsavorite is native to the northeastern part of Tanzania and Kenya. Very few mines are uniquely situated in the dry grasslands among the hills located near Tzavo National Park. East Africa's gemstone mines were created millions of years ago when the continents where still shifting and moving around frequently.
At that time, Geologists suspect that part of the region was at the bottom of the sea. Approximately in 1967 a British geologist by the name of Campbell R. Bridges was prospecting for gemstones when he stumbled upon odd, elongated, oval shaped stones. Gemological tests showed he had discovered green grossularite a rare species of gemstone belonging to the Garnet family; Tsavorite being a variety of green grossularite. Throughout the years Mr. Campbell continued his search for additional mines. In 1971 he discovered the brilliant green gemstone for a second time, only in this time in Kenya. It was there in Kenya Mr. Campbell registered his gemstone find with the local government and proceeded to take advantage of the discovery by mining for Tsavorite.
Tsavorite gained notoriety in the U.S. when In 1974 Tiffany & Co. spearheaded a promotional campaign for the beautiful, vibrant gemstone. Not long after, Tsavorite gained popularity in the both the U.S. and abroad and soon was known everywhere.Why is Tsavorite so desirable? First and foremost is the vivid, bright green color the gemstone posses. In addition to its high brilliance, colors range from spring-like pale green to intensely bluish green to a deep forest green. The colors have been described as invigorating and almost candy-like in nature. The colors are purely natural and are not heat treated or oiled. Just as other Garnets, Tsavorite is very pure in nature and posses a high hardness factor of approx. 7 - 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale (a scale of hardness from 1 to 10 used within the gemstone industry). It is similar in color to Emerald only not as sensitive in nature by way of handling. When fashioned into jewelry, Tsavorite is less likely to damage as a result of impact or rough handling. Other stones similar in hardness are Ruby and Sapphire. Rough Tsavorite crystals are rarely found over 5 carats. As a result, sizes from 2 carats and up are relatively rare and valuable. Don't worry; vivid, bright green colors are also displayed in smaller sizes as well.
TREATMENT: None
MOHS HARDNESS: 7 - 71/2 (a tough and durable stone)
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Ca3 Al2 Si3 O12
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.74 +/- .010 (The angle light is bent traveling through a gemstone)
DENSITY (SPECIFIC GRAVITY): 3.5+ (The number of times heavier a gemstone is compared to water)
PRINCIPLE SOURCES: Tanazania, Kenya
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