Tsavorite: The World’s Rarest Garnet
Tsavorite is the world’s rarest Garnet--a stunningly-beautiful green gemstone that rivals any other green gem. A relatively new gemstone in terms of market exposure, but it is one of the oldest forming gemstones in the gem kingdom. Formed 2,000,000,000 years ago, before the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, was even formed, and before the dinosaurs walked the earth.
Tsavorite was discovered by British geologist Campbell R. Bridges in 1967. Tsavorite was named after the Tsavo Game Reserve in Kenya, the area of its discovery. Though Tsavorite is found in both Tanzania and Kenya, the very finest Tsavorite, with the purest green hues is still only found in Tsavo, Kenya.
This remote, lion-infested bushland along the Kenya-Tanzania border, and an area of raw beautiful African wilderness, it has a history of violent volcanic activity and due to the volatile geological conditions under which Tsavorite forms. Tsavorite is only found in relatively small sizes. Tsavorite over 2.5 carats are considered very rare and valuable.
The Smithsonian Gem Collection's prize Tsavorite is just 7 carats. The largest, cleanest Tsavorite on record is a 325.14 carat top-color beauty and is valued at over $2,000,000. Tsavorite has been cut for over thirty years and quite a number have been cut; a number of exceptional pieces can be found in private collections.
Tsavorite has earned its place as one of the world’s finest colored gemstones. Its high refractive index and dispersion levels translate into wonderful brilliance and it is far less included than its cousin, the Emerald. Its stunning, Pure Green hues, durability, purity and rareness have attracted gem collectors and jewelry-lovers alike.
