Directory of Gems - Gem Dictionary

Diamond Directory of Gems - Gem Dictionary - reference guide to Tsavorite

Facts about Tsavorite

Tsavorite, like all the other garnets, has a particularly high refractive index. The shining green tsavorite is a young gemstone with a very long geological history. The color range of the tsavorite includes a springlike light green, an intense blue-green and a deep forest green - colors which have an invigorating effect on the senses. Its home is the East-African bushland along the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The few mines lie in a uniquely beautiful landscape of arid grassland with bare, dry hills. It's dangerous country, the habitat of snakes, and now and then a lion patrols on the lookout for prey. What is it that makes the tsavorite so desirable? Well, for one thing there is its vivid, radiant green. However, this gemstone is also valuable on account of its great brilliance. The name tsavorite was proposed by Tiffany and Co president Henry Platt in honor of Tsavo National Park in Kenya.