Tsavorite garnet is the transparent variety of green grossular garnet. The name "tsavorite" comes from the Tsavo area of Kenya where the gem was first found. The color ranges through the green hues, but the finest are equal in color to a top quality emerald. Though far less known of the two gems, the higher optical properties of tsavorite gifts it much greater brilliance and fire than emerald, making gems of similar clarity and color much more attractive than their beryl counterpart.

Locations:

Tsavorite garnet is mainly found in Kenya. Other places are Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Canada, the former USSR, South Africa, USA and Tanzania.

Chemical Composition: Calcium Aluminum Silicate
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Hardness: 7
Specific Gravity: 3.49
Refractive Index: 1.69-1.73
Colors: Light green to deep green.
Luster: Vitreous

Astrological Relevance:

Being garnet, tsavorite is also considered to be one of the birthstones for the month of January, which covers two zodiac signs: Capricorn (December 21 To January 21) and Aquarius (January 21 To February 21).