Tsavorite Garnet · Photo: Jeff Scovil, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Garnet group (almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular andradite, uvarovite)
Tsavorite Garnet
A family of gems, not a single species.
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7.5
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Composition
- Varies by species
- Colours
- Red (almandine/pyrope), Orange (spessartine, mandarin), Green (Tsavorite, demantoid)
- Origins
- Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar
- Birthstone
- January
Garnet is a group of related minerals sharing a crystal structure but differing in chemistry. Tsavorite (green grossular) and demantoid (green andradite) rival emerald in colour; mandarin spessartine glows neon orange; rhodolite balances red and purple.
Demantoid is famous for 'horsetail' inclusions of byssolite - a feature uniquely accepted by collectors.
Treatments
What to know
- Generally untreated - a key advantage
Care & handling
How to wear it
- Most garnets safe for ultrasonic and steam
- Demantoid is softer (6.5) - gentler care recommended
Jewellery use
Setting the gemstone
Excellent for daily wear in most varieties. Tsavorite and demantoid are high-end alternatives to emerald.
Famous examples
- · Subway Garnet (9 lb crystal, NYC)
- · Hope Spessartine