gemstone kingdom, is a green variety of
grossular garnet. The name'tsavorite'was given
by Tiffany & Co. in 1974. It is derived from the
famous Tsavo Park in Kenya.
Once considered an emerald substitute, tsavorite
is now prized on its own behalf. Compared to
emerald, ft has greater brilliance and is generally
less included. With regard to color, look for a
green that is very much like that of imperial jade.
Lighter, lime-jello green is more acceptable than
darker blackish-green color.
Deposits of tsavorite are usually small and very
unpredictable. Due to tremendous volcanic heat
and pressure, it is rare that rough crystals are
found more than 3" in length that are clean
enough for a cutter to fashion. Therefore, ft is
hardly surprising that cut tsavorftes over 3 carats
are exceedingly rare.
To maintain the brilliance of this gemstone, it
should be immersed in a jewelry cleaner or
lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small
bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic
machine. As with all gemstones, care should be
taken to protect ft from scratches, sharp blows
and extreme temperature changes.
Tsavorites are found in Kenya and Tanzania.