Tsavorite, a rare and vibrant green gemstone, has been captivating gemstone enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Discovered in East Africa, this gem has a rich history and a promising future in the world of fine jewellery.
The story of tsavorite begins in 1967 when British gem prospector Campbell R. Bridges first stumbled upon this striking mineral in Tanzania’s Manyara Region.
Captivated by its intense colour and remarkable transparency, Bridges continued his exploration, eventually finding even richer deposits in Kenya.
In 1971, he was granted a permit to mine the area, marking the beginning of Tsavorite’s journey into the global market.
The name “tsavorite” was coined by Tiffany & Co. president Henry Platt, in honour of Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, near where some of the finest Tsavorite deposits are found.
While small deposits have also been discovered in places like Madagascar, Pakistan, and even Queen Maud Land in Antarctica, the majority of tsavorite still comes from Tanzania and Kenya.
Mining tsavorite is no easy task.
The gemstone is typically extracted through artisanal methods in the rugged, lion-inhabited bushlands along the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Miners endure harsh conditions, working in cramped, dusty caves with little ventilation.
Despite these challenges, the reward is worth the effort—Tsavorite is exceptionally rare, especially in sizes over several carats.
In late 2006, a remarkable 925-carat tsavorite crystal was unearthed, yielding a 325-carat faceted gem, one of the largest in the world.
Earlier that year, another crystal produced a 120.68-carat stone.
Yet, such large finds are rare, with most gem-quality tsavorites weighing less than 0.5 carats.
The rarity of tsavorite, combined with its stunning colour and brilliance, makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.
The Kenyan government has even designated it as one of the country’s 14 strategic minerals.
High-quality tsavorites command impressive prices, with notable sales including $8,618 for a 3.15-carat stone and $4,898 for a 6.75-carat gem.
Several factors influence the value of tsavorite, including colour, clarity, carat weight, and cut.
The most prized tsavorites exhibit a vivid, pure green colour, often compared to emeralds.
