By Chisom Ibemere
Tsavorite belongs to the garnet group which is a calcium aluminium garnet. It is basically green in colour and has traces of vanadium or chromium which gives it its colour. It is one of the most known and most expensive varieties of garnet that may be used for any kind of jewellery.
Tsavorite is named after Tsavo East national park which is located in Kenya. It was first discovered in 1967. It was recognised as a gem in 1974 and may be used in many designs.
It is a popular and common gemstone and stones about one carat are easily seen. Stones above 2 carat are mainly rare and expensive with deep green colour. It is used in making exceptional rings like engagement rings which may not require protective settings.
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Tsavorite green colour may rival that of emerald with more dispersion and brilliance with equal hardness and no inclusions. It is durable and has a mohs hardness of 7-7.5. It has a specific gravity of 3.60- 3.68, Refractive index of 1.74 and a vitreous lustre.
The two main sources of Tsavorite are found in Kenya and Tanzania but small deposits may be found in areas of Madagascar, Parkistan and Antarctica. Tsavorite with 2 or more Carat and deep green are highly priced and valued. It doesn’t undergo any treatment or enhancement.
Tsavorite is a growth gemstone which promotes life and a positive mentality. It gives confidence, new ideas, creativity and aspirations. Tsavorite may be used in producting different types of jewelleries like bangles, rings, bracelet, earrings etc. There are numerous varieties of Tsavorite gemstone which are based on colour. Purple and almandine which ranges from purple to orange, spessartine has different shades of Orange. These varieties may be seen in US. grossular ranges from yellow to reddish- orange and orange red to deep green colour.
Tsavorite occurs in graphitic gneiss which is interbedded within calcareous nodules or adjacent to marble. Deposits of Tsavorite may be seen in places like Gombe, Plateau and Taraba states of Nigeria.
