- Jewelry Identifier
- Gemstones
- Tsavorite
* garnet (grossular) gemstone
Tsavorite: identification, value, and how to spot a fake
Vivid green grossular garnet, discovered 1967 in Tanzania. Untreated by definition; harder than emerald and less included. Major source: Tsavo region, Kenya/Tanzania.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Mineral family
- garnet (grossular)
- Chemical formula
- Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 (V, Cr impurities)
- Mohs hardness
- 7–7.5
- Refractive index
- 1.734–1.748
- Specific gravity
- 3.57–3.73
- Crystal system
- cubic
- Luster
- vitreous
- Birthstone month
- January
Colors
Tsavorite is found in green to vivid green. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.
How to tell real from imitation
No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Tsavorite. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.
- Scratch resistance: genuine Tsavorite sits at Mohs 7–7.5, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
- Brilliance & luster: Tsavorite shows a vitreous luster and a refractive index of 1.734–1.748; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
- Density: a real Tsavorite has a specific gravity near 3.57–3.73, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
- Commonly imitated by: emerald, green tourmaline. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
- Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.
Common treatments
- none (always untreated)
Treatments are routine for many Tsavorite stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.
What to know about Tsavorite
Vivid green grossular garnet, discovered 1967 in Tanzania. Untreated by definition; harder than emerald and less included. Major source: Tsavo region, Kenya/Tanzania.
Sources
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is Tsavorite hard enough for everyday rings?
- A. Mostly. At a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5, Tsavorite stands up to routine wear, though sharp knocks and abrasive dust can still mar it over years of daily use.
- Q. How can I tell Tsavorite from emerald?
- A. Tsavorite and emerald can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.734–1.748 for Tsavorite), specific gravity (3.57–3.73), and hardness (Mohs 7–7.5). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
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