Tsavorite stone - magical and physical properties, zodiac sign compatibility, care rules (74 photos)
Tsavorite is a very "young" gemstone that was discovered just over half a century ago. This rare gem can rival emeralds in color. The history of its discovery is dramatic, but those who can afford such a talisman have already appreciated it as evidence of the excellent taste and high status of the owner.
History and origin of the name
In 1967, 20-year-old Scottish connoisseur of beautiful stones Campbell Bridge went to look for gems in Tanzania. In the mountains in the northeast of this African country, he came across a buffalo. Running away from him, he stumbled upon a previously unknown gem. Three years later, the same Campbell found similar stones in Kenya in the Taita region.
The stone lay in his personal collection for six years, until the enterprising Scot, who moved with his family to Kenya, met with Henry Platt, the owner of the world famous Tiffany company. By this time, Bridge was already quite a wealthy man, having arranged supplies from Africa of another rarity - tanzanite. It was discovered just a year before the discovery of tsavorite, but soon gained incredible popularity among collectors and lovers of unique jewelry.
During a conversation with Platt in 1973, Bridge spoke of his unusual find. Seeing the gem, Platt was literally fascinated by its emerald green. He gave the name to the stone "Tsavorite" in honor of the Tsavo National Park located near the place of discovery.
In 1974, the stone was presented to the general public and became one of Tiffany's calling cards.
The discoverer himself, along with his son Bruce, continued to deal in precious minerals, which caused envy among the locals. Working conditions in the mines were not easy. Miners had to dig clay by hand for a long time in the sweltering heat to find rare tanzanites and tsavorites. The depth of the mine often exceeded 100-200 meters, and all this was dug by hand so as not to miss the “pocket” with gems.
Kenyans have often ambushed and raided geologists who they believe are plundering the country. In 2009, a gang of 20 Kenyans attacked Campbell Bridge. He was seriously injured and died in hospital at the age of 71. Four of the killers received a total of 160 years in prison.
In addition to the name "tsavorite", it is known in another transcription "tsavorite". It is sometimes called "tsavolite" or "tzavorite".
Place of Birth
Tsavorite deposits can only be found in eastern Africa. In addition to Tanzania, only three countries can boast of its deposits: Kenya, Madagascar and Uganda.
In Uganda, its production did not work out, because it was discovered here in the 1990s, during the ongoing civil war. There were other difficulties in the area of the deposit: a hot climate and an abundance of snakes. But Kenya made good money on it.
The gem is found only in shale clays that have undergone metamorphic transformations over millions of years.It is often found together with quartz, scapolite and other minerals. It is formed at temperatures of 550-600°C and pressure from 3 to 5 thousand atmospheres. Then some of the tsavorites turn into tanzanite, another amazingly beautiful gem of amazing blue color. Findings of tsavorite weighing more than 20 carats are very rare. Usually their mass does not exceed 5 carats.
Interesting: The largest known gem-quality faceted tsavorite, a nearly flawless emerald-cut stone weighing 16.67 carats, is in a private collection.
The possible presence of tanzanite and tsavorite is evidenced by porphyroblasts in the form of pockets. The discovery of such a multi-colored treasure of expensive gems is mined with great difficulty and is a great success. But it has everything at once: emerald-green tsavorites, purple-violet scapolites, ultramarine-blue tanzanites and, in addition, transparent rock crystal with its colored varieties.
Among the miners there is a sign that you will not meet tsavorite in one place. He hides from people. So you have to dig a new mine in clay until you meet a new pocket with gems inside.
They belong to the grossulars - a variety of pomegranate.
Physical Properties
Tsavorite has a hardness of 7-7.5, diamond brilliance. Transparent or translucent. The color can be from light green to dark green sometimes grayish green or with a yellow tint. Density 3.60-3.68 g/cm3. Refractive index 1.740.
Chemical properties and composition
Tsavorite is a calcium aluminosilicate, like other grossulars. The color of this variety of garnet is due to the vanadium contained in it, the proportion of which can reach up to 4.3%. Some of the gems contain an admixture of chromium, which also gives a green color.
The chemical formula is Ca3Al2[SiO4]3.
Varieties
Actually there are no varieties of tsavorite. They differ in intensity and shades of color. The most expensive gems are pure green, neither too light nor too dark. If such a stone has no defects and weighs more than 5 carats, then its price can reach 6-20 thousand dollars per carat.
Kenyan tsavorites are most often dark green, like their Madagascar counterparts, although large stones are found in Madagascar. But still they are inferior in quality to Tanzanian ones, which have the highest color saturation and a wide variety of shades. There are yellowish-green or bluish-green gems, but those that resemble emerald in color are most valued. In terms of brilliance, tsavorite is much superior to it due to its higher refractive index.
fakes
No one has yet managed to make synthetic tsavorite, so if you meet a merchant offering to buy a "synthetic Kenyan emerald" at a reasonable price, you can be sure that he is deceiving you.
It is easy to identify a glass fake by a significantly lower brilliance and refraction of light rays. In addition, a fake can be recognized by passing a stone on the glass. Real tsavorite will leave a scratch, but a fake will not.
They can give out for this rare stone, which is found hundreds of times less often than emerald, other gems - demantoid or uvarovite. Only an experienced jeweler can distinguish them from tsavorite.
The hallmark of this unique gem is a special glow in daylight, but it is not noticeable in the store. Unfortunately, this glow of tsavorite cannot be seen in the photo, so in doubtful cases, contact experienced experts.
magical properties
Tsavorite is a very young gem, but its magical properties have already been studied.
Tsavorite gives a good mood, self-confidence and the ability to easily establish contact with others, so it helps in an exam or important negotiations.
This is a talisman of financial well-being and family harmony, and as an amulet it removes all adversity from a person.
If you decide to purchase tsavorite because of its magical and healing properties, then you should not chase the size of the gem. Even a stone of one carat possesses them to the full, and this stone loves greedy and conceited people and will not reveal to them all its power.
Medicinal properties
The wearer of this stone finds peace and gains new strength in case of nervous exhaustion. Contemplation of the gem will relieve insomnia and nightmares.
Tsavorite relieves migraines, pressure surges and allows you to feel great in any weather changes and in a magnetic storm.
Tsavorite helps with epilepsy, neurosis, hysteria and melancholy. It cleanses the blood of toxins, helps to heal bones in case of fractures. In order for the stone to show its healing properties, it is recommended not only to apply it to a sore spot, but to meditate on it, imagining the healing effect of the stone.
If barley jumped up on the eye, then just attach tsavorite to it.
If you decide to purchase tsavorite because of its magical and healing properties, then you should not chase the size of the gem. Even a stone of one carat possesses them to the full, and this stone loves greedy and conceited people and will not reveal to them all its power.
Zodiac signs
Tsavorite has no contraindications for the signs of the zodiac. Ideal for water signs.
Rakov will relieve the painful attachment to the past and open up new perspectives. Pisces will fill you with energy and give you self-confidence.
Scorpions will get rid of causticity and other character flaws. Aquarius and Libra, tsavorite will relieve doubts, and Gemini will help to focus on important issues without being distracted by the unimportant.
Aries become more responsible with him and easier to find a common language with others. Lviv tsavorite protects from human malice and nightmares. Sagittarius will easily prioritize their plans.
Capricorns and Taurus become more balanced and keep youthful looks. Under the influence of the stone, romantic adventures can arise.
Virgin stone protects from any troubles and misfortunes.
Compatibility
The combination of tsavorite with diamonds or tanzanite is more common. Other combinations in one decoration are rare.
Can be worn with any other stones if desired. This stone is quite friendly.
Jewelry with tsavorite
Tsavorite looks great when set in platinum or white gold. Looks good and set in silver.
Jewelry with tsavorite can be very different: earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, bracelets, pendants. Their cost can be compared with the price of an expensive car.
You can find tsavorites quite inexpensive if they do not meet the standards of purity and transparency.
stone care
Tsavorite has sufficient strength and hardness so as not to be afraid of scratches, but no one has canceled the respect for gems. Store it in a separate box lined with a soft cloth.
You can wash the gem with water or a mild soapy solution, and then immediately dry it with a dry cloth.
This magical gift of the earth's interior should not be left in the sun for a long time, this may cause the color to fade.
Tsavorite is a very expensive stone, but this does not stop true connoisseurs of the beauty of the gifts of the underworld. If you do not pursue the size and purity, then the stone is available to people of average income.
Photo of Tsavorite stone
