Learn about Tsavorite
Tsavorites may look like emeralds, but in reality, they are roughly 200 times rarer than emeralds.
Tsavorite
- Garnet group of minerals
- 6.5 to 7.5 Mohs
- Strength, Vitality, Positivity
Round
Oval
Pear
Overview
The tsavorite is a fairly new gem, especially compared to other green jewels like the emerald and peridot. It was discovered in 1967 and was officially introduced to the jewelry industry in the year 1974.
Unlike some of the other garnet varieties that have existed for centuries, the tsavorite is still reasonably young. This is why the symbolism associated with this gem revolves around the intense green hue it's blessed with.
1. Key Origin
- Tsavorite can only be found in one place on earth – Africa
- Primary sources include mines present in Kenya's Taita and the Arusha region in Tanzania
- This gem is named after the Tsavo National Park
2. Associations
- Tsavorite is the trademark of nature, represents abundance and rebirth
- Tsavorite has also been associated with prosperity and the revival of inner self
- None of these symbolisms are backed by any scientific evidence, they certainly add to gemstone's overall appeal
Properties
Rated 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
According to the Mohs scale of hardness, 1 signifies an extremely malleable mineral (talc) while 10 represents remarkable toughness (diamond). On this tool, the tsavorite has a rating of 7 to 7.5, which indicates considerable durability. So while it isn't exceptionally hard, it's not fragile either.
02Treatment
The glorious green color of the tsavorite happens to be devoid of any artificial treatments. So unlike many other popular gemstones that have to undergo different types of procedures to improve their color/appearance, tsavorites typically only need to be cut and polished.
Lab-created or man-made versions of this gem is not available either. The majority of the tsavorites available in the market today are completely untreated and unenhanced.
The 4C’s
The below-mentioned factors help determine a tsavorite's true value:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- An excellent quality tsavorite displays a rich green color that is intense without being too dark or cloudy.
- Vanadium is responsible for its eye-catching hue.
- Avoid stones pale in color or have a yellow undertone, opt for vibrant green tsavorites.
02Carat
- It's not easy to find this gem in large sizes, tsavorite's weigh upto 3 carats
- Quality should be given more preference than the carat weight
- A tsavorite that has a higher carat weight, but lower quality (because of treatment process)
03Clarity
- It's normal for the tsavorite to have flaws/inclusions
- Tsavorite being type 2 gemstone,have impurities and inclusions that look like tiny feathers and tiny pieces of crystal.
- Only opt for those stones that do not have any visible surface defects
04Cuts
- Tsavorite has a high refractive index, and cuts/shapes
- Best radiate its beauty and gleam include the oval, cushion, emerald-cut, and trillion.
- However, you must opt for the one that best suits your preference.
Quality & Grading
Based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, tsavorites can be graded into the following categories:
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Bright Deep Green | Eye Clean | Very High | Top 1% |
Vintage Style Oval Tsavorite Ring with Diamond Accents$1,304 |
| Best (AAA) |  Bright Medium Green | Slightly Included | High | Top 10% |
Oval Tsavorite Solitaire Pendant with Diamond$611 |
| Better (AA) |  Medium Green | Included | Medium | Top 33% |
Bypass Pear-Shaped Tsavorite Ring$827 |
| Good (A) |  Light Green | Heavily Included | Low | Top 75% |
Shell Style Oval Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant$229 |
Care Instructions
With a rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, the beautiful tsavorite can be considered relatively durable and safe for everyday wear. But do keep in mind that it's normal for most stones to have superficial flaws or inclusions, typically in gaseous, liquid, or solid form.
FAQs
1. Is tsavorite a rare gemstone?
It absolutely is! Tsavorite is significantly rarer than other green gemstones such as emeralds, as it is primarily found in limited regions in Africa. Additionally, it is discovered in much smaller quantities, making it a highly sought-after and rare gemstone.
2. How durable is tsavorite?
Tsavorite is reasonably durable with a rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes the gemstone perfect for everyday wear, especially if you take care of it properly.
3. What does tsavorite symbolize?
Tsavorite symbolizes vitality, strength and positivity. Although none of this is backed by scientific evidence, it has been believed that tsavorite has metaphysical properties, including healing and protection.
4. How is tsavorite different from emerald?
Emeralds are precious gemstones that are easily available, while tsavorites are semi-precious gemstones but are rare. Speaking of appearance, tsavorite has a bright green color, while emeralds may have lighter or darker and richer hues. While emeralds are very popular in the jewelry world, tsavorite is a relatively new stone.
5. Where does tsavorite get its color from?
Tsavorite gets its color from vanadium and sometimes chromium, which are present in its crystalline structure. These elements are responsible for the gemstone's bright and vivid green hue.
Latest Pick from Tsavorite Jewelry
- Half Eternity Seven Stone Tsavorite and Diamond Wedding Ring$3,279
- Encrusted Tsavorite and Diamond Infinity Knot Ring$2,999
- Three Stone Tsavorite and Diamond Ring with Accents$3,159
- Oval Tsavorite Twisted Ribbon Ring with Pave Diamonds$1,579
- Half Eternity Five Stone Tsavorite Wedding Ring$2,049
- Solitaire Tsavorite Infinity Knot Ring$1,379
- Bypass Pear-Shaped Tsavorite Ring$1,569
- Triple Row Round Tsavorite and Diamond Wedding Ring$2,919
- Vintage Style Oval Tsavorite Ring with Diamond Accents$1,449
- Pavé Set Tsavorite Olive Leaf Vine Ring$1,179
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