Tsavorite garnet is a vibrant green, gem-quality grossular garnet, known for its intense color and high clarity, often rivaling emeralds. It's a relatively rare gemstone, with stones over 3 carats being uncommon. Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania and Kenya, it's named after the Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Tsavorite is prized for its brilliance and is typically untreated, making it a popular choice for jewelry.

Here's a more detailed description:

Appearance:

• Color: Tsavorite's vibrant green color is caused by trace amounts of vanadium or chromium. The most desirable stones exhibit an intense green to blue-green hue.

• Clarity: Tsavorite generally has excellent clarity, with few visible inclusions.

• Brilliance: It is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which contribute to its brilliance and ability to sparkle.

• Cut: Tsavorite is often faceted to enhance its brilliance and color, with various shapes like round, oval, and pear being popular.

• Size: Larger tsavorites (over 3 carats) are rare and highly sought after.

Properties:

• Hardness: Tsavorite rates 7.0 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear.

• Refractive Index: 1.740

• Dispersion: 0.028

• Treatment: Tsavorite is typically not treated and is a natural gemstone.

Rarity and Value:

• Tsavorite is considered one of the rarest and most valuable garnet varieties.

• Its rarity, coupled with its beauty and durability, contributes to its value.

• The value of a tsavorite is influenced by its color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.

Origin:

• Tsavorite was first discovered in Tanzania and later in Kenya's Tsavo National Park.

• The region near the Kenya-Tanzania border remains the primary source of gem-quality tsavorite.