All about tsavorite

Precious and semiprecious stones have attracted people's attention since ancient times. They were credited with magical, witchcraft spells, healing properties, they were considered a talisman, a talisman. At present, interest in this topic has grown enormously. Not only well-known minerals are gaining great popularity, but also those unfamiliar to a wide range of consumers - for example, tsavorite.

Tsavorite became known as a stone for jewelry not so long ago, just a few decades ago. The honor of the discoverer rightfully belongs to the Scottish geologist Campbell L. Bridgets. In the 60s of the last century, the British Atomic Energy Association organized an expedition to the countries of East Africa in order to search for beryllium deposits. This mineral is one of the most important components in the operation of nuclear reactors.

Once a young explorer was attacked by an angry African buffalo. To escape, the geologist had to jump into the nearest ravine. There he pressed against the slope and stood motionless. Black bulls see poorly and chase the enemy only as long as they hear him. The animal soon went home, and the scientist saw some greenish pebbles on a blurred steep slope. This was the tsavorite.

The stone got its name from the place of discovery - Tsavo National Park (or Tsavo), which is located in Kenya. Subsequently, Campbell took up the development of the field, for a long time he lived with his family in Africa. He worked with the world famous Tiffany firm, was engaged in the supply of stones, and also worked as a jewelry expert.

However, the leaders of the local Masai tribe, who considered these lands the property of their people, in every possible way obstructed the work, threatened and sent complaints to the local authorities. In addition, the rich businessman had envious people who wanted to appropriate the enterprise that brought high income. As a result, it all ended in tragedy. When Campbell, his son Bruce and several security guards were driving their car across the savannah, they were attacked. The wounded Bruce survived, and Campbell died a few days later in the hospital.

The gem is a type of semi-precious red garnet. It is also commonly referred to as the Kenyan emerald. Some sources may have a different spelling - tsavorite or tsavolite. The composition of tsavorite contains aluminum and calcium in the form of oxides.

The mineral owes its green color to the presence of rare earth elements, vanadium and chromium compounds. These metals are always found in the same deposits. The color of stones is usually rich, even, without blotches and spots, with good transparency.

Tsavorite is highly durable, so it usually has practically no flaws in the form of chips and cracking. It has the correct crystal shape, lends itself well to jewelry processing and cutting. Small crystals are also found, weighing less than one carat (0.2 grams), and they are relatively inexpensive. They are used for making silver jewelry.

Tsavorites of 5 or more carats are extremely rare, and their cost is quite high. The largest stone found recently has a mass of 30 carats.

Besides Kenya, green garnet is mined in Tanzania. Deposits of these beautiful and rare stones are found in the mountains on the island of Madagascar. A very small field is located in Pakistan, bordering areas with Afghanistan. However, it is currently not possible to start development there due to the unstable situation and the presence of armed groups. The most extraordinary place where this gem was found is Antarctica, Queen Maud Land. Antarctic natural stone is highly regarded by jewelers and collectors.

Mining in all regions is carried out only by hand, which is due to the relatively shallow bedding of the rock. Another obstacle that significantly complicates the extraction process is the presence of wild animals and poisonous insects and snakes in the areas where these stones are found.... In addition, the enterprise itself, which brings significant profits to its owner, is dangerous due to the impossibility of providing reliable protection against attacks by armed bandits both at the field itself and during transportation.

Like any natural minerals, tsavorite has certain medicinal properties. We can say that the useful qualities of all green gems are concentrated in it. For example, it is believed to do well with an unpleasant eye ailment like barley. It is enough just to apply it several times to the sore spot.

Regular contemplation of stones can help relieve insomnia and anxiety. Sleep becomes strong and calm, nightmares disappear. Calm and harmony comes. In addition, tsavorite will be useful for meteosensitive people, and it also normalizes blood pressure and can lower the temperature in case of colds.

As for magic, the Kenyan emerald was never used in their rituals by ancient shamans and sorcerers. This happened because this gem was discovered quite recently.However, despite this, it was found that the stone has an extremely positive effect on its owner. It calms, harmonizes the personality, improves family relationships.

It is also noted that it is able to increase wealth, attracts financial independence. And not only from the person who owns the jewelry, but also from his family and friends. It is believed that the greatest strength of a mineral is manifested when it is adjacent to silver.

From the point of view of astrologers, tsavorite is most suitable for the water signs of the zodiac - Pisces, Cancers, Scorpions. It is in these people that the positive properties of the mineral are revealed with all possible force. It brings peace and tranquility, removes any negativity from both the person and the house in which he lives. In addition, Taurus women can wear jewelry with a green pomegranate. Stylish silver earrings trimmed with small green stones will look great on elegant ladies.

Tsavorite is widely used in jewelry making. From the hands of masters, professionals in their field, outstanding works of art come out that attract the eye.

Large stones set in a silver setting make magnificent rings and pendants. Such products are quite expensive.

Beads are carved from smaller ones, used to decorate many other jewelry, the cost of which is much lower.

Tsavorite can be combined with other stones, it performs on an equal footing with them and does not lose even when adjacent to a shining diamond.

For what tsavorite is, see the following video: