Gemstone Catalogue

Tsavorite Garnet

Tsavorite Garnet

Colour: Vibrant green, ranging from a grassy green to a deep emerald green

Name derivation: Derived from its birthplace - the Tzavo National Game Park and the Tzavo River running through this area

Symbolism: Abundance, prosperity, opulence, benevolence, vitality, and compassion

Gemstone family: Garnet

Birthstone: January

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 7.5 (hard & very robust structure)

Geography: The bushland along the frontier between Kenya and Tanzania not far away from the Tzavo National Park

Famous Tzavorite: Made famous by Tiffany & Co. in 1974 by Tiffany & Co. president Henry Platt - ‘Tsavorite is The Rolls Royce of Greens’ Quote : Harry Platt, Tiffany & Co, 1967

Cleaning procedure: Do not clean it in a steam cleaner - could cause cracking. Can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Safest way remains with warm soapy water and a toothbrush

Value factors: Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone