Inside Kenya’s Rare Tsavorite Gemstone Captivating the Global Jewellery Market
Kenya is a treasure trove of rare minerals, scattered across the country in various deposits. While many focus on well-known minerals like gold and copper, a particular group of garnet gemstones has garnered global attention from gemstone enthusiasts.
One of these rare and valuable gemstones is Tsavorite from East Africa which has been gaining popularity, set to dominate the world of fine jewellery. The vibrant green gemstone was first discovered in 1967 by British gem prospector Campbell R. Bridges in the Manyara Region of Tanzania.
Bridges, captivated by the vibrant color and exceptional transparency of the specimens he encountered, extended his prospecting to Kenya. Three years later, he discovered a significant garnet deposit in Taita Taveta and secured a permit to mine it.
Upon inspection of the stone by gem enthusiasts, Tiffany & Co. president Henry Platt named the garnet ‘Tsavorite’ in honour of Tsavo National Park in Kenya where some of the finest Tsavorite deposits are found.
The rare gemstone is also found in Madagascar, Pakistan, and Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, but these deposits are much smaller and less significant.
Due to its scarcity, Tsavorite is mined through artisanal methods by a small number of miners who brave the lion-infested bushlands along the Kenya-Tanzania. They often labour in confined, dusty caverns that offer minimal ventilation which makes the mining process tough and perilous.
Furthermore, the gemstone is exceptionally rare and typically found in gem-quality sizes exceeding several carats. In early 2006, a remarkable 120.68-carat oval mixed-cut gem was uncovered, and a few months later, a 925-carat crystal was discovered, which was subsequently cut into a 325-carat oval mixed-cut stone—one of the largest faceted tsavorites in the world.
Since then, its scarcity has persisted, with yields made of rough crystals weighing less than 0.5 carats
Nonetheless, Tsavorite is one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the world owing to it stunning colour and brilliance. In fact it competes with emerald, often considered more superior due to its greater durability and clarity, with fewer inclusions and a higher resistance to scratching and chipping.
Notable tsavorite sales include $8,618 (Sh1,113,582) for a 3.15-carat stone and $4,898 (Sh632,862) for a 6.75-carat stone. The Rare Gemstone Company reports that the largest and clearest tsavorite on record is a 325.14-carat gem, valued at over $2 million (Sh259 million). This has hence led to its designation as one of the 14 strategic minerals in the country.
There are various factors that influence its value which include the colour, clarity, carat weight and the cut of the gemstone.
In terms of color, the most coveted tsavorites display a vivid, pure green hue, often likened to that of emeralds. Vanadium enhances this color, with deeper shades being particularly sought after.
Tsavorite generally boasts superior clarity compared to many gemstones, with fewer inclusions. As a result, stones with higher clarity command greater value.
Regarding carat weight, larger tsavorites are extremely rare, with stones over 5 carats being especially prized. Most tsavorites available on the market are under 3 carats.
Although the cut does not greatly influence the price, popular shapes such as oval and cushion cuts are favored for their enhanced visual appeal.
