What is tsavorite?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Tsavorite is a rich green variety of grossular garnet, discovered in the Tsavo region of East Africa in the late 1960s and named after Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Its colour comes from traces of vanadium and chromium and ranges from a bright, slightly yellowish green through to a deep, velvety tone that rivals the finest emeralds. Unlike emerald, tsavorite is almost always untreated and naturally free of the fractures and inclusions emeralds typically carry, which makes it very appealing to buyers who want a clean, vivid green stone.
Frequently asked questions
- Is tsavorite rarer than emerald?
- Yes, fine tsavorite is considered rarer than comparable-quality emerald, partly because large crystals are uncommon and partly because the deposit areas in East Africa are limited. That rarity drives prices for top stones quite high.
- Is tsavorite a good gemstone for everyday wear?
- Tsavorite is a garnet, which rates around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is reasonably durable for rings and jewellery worn with care. It is harder than most people expect for a coloured stone and holds its polish well.
- How does tsavorite compare to emerald in price?
- Fine, large tsavorite can rival emerald prices, and in some cases exceed them, because clean stones over two carats are genuinely scarce. Smaller tsavorites are more accessible and offer excellent colour for the price.
Designing a ring
Talk through tsavorite with us
Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
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