Gemstone profile and identification guide
Tsavorite
Tsavorite is the vivid green variety of grossular garnet colored by vanadium/chromium.
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Overview
Tsavorite is the vivid green variety of grossular garnet colored by vanadium/chromium.
Did you know? Tsavorite is generally untreated, which is a major trade advantage.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Tsavorite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Garnet Group: Grossular Variety)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Vivid Green
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Greens
Cubic garnet behavior with vivid green grossular chemistry identifies tsavorite.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium aluminum silicate grossular with vanadium/chromium coloring
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Bright green grossular garnet variety with high brilliance.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Grossular garnet (tsavorite variety)
Mineral group: Garnet group
Chemical formula: Calcium aluminum silicate grossular with vanadium/chromium coloring
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.57-3.73
Refractive index: 1.74-1.75
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Bright yellow-green to deep green
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar
Important commercial sources: Tsavorite is primarily mined in East African metamorphic terrains
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in fine faceted jewelry as an emerald-alternative green gem.
Care recommendations: Durable for jewelry and suitable for regular wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Tsavorite.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic rocks under specific trace-element conditions.
Origin
Tsavorite is primarily mined in East African metamorphic terrains
Uses
Best for: Used in fine faceted jewelry as an emerald-alternative green gem.
Ideal uses: High-end green gemstone jewelry.
Care
Durable for jewelry and suitable for regular wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Tsavorite FAQ
How can I identify Tsavorite?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Tsavorite appear in?
Bright green grossular garnet variety with high brilliance.
Where is Tsavorite commonly used?
High-end green gemstone jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.