This gem is considered "new" because it was first discovered in the 1960s, however it was created millions of years ago and is found only between Kenya and Tanzania.

The discovery is almost like something out of a fairytale.  In 1967 whilst prospecting for gemstones in Tanzania, British geologist Campbell R. Brides came across an unusual shaped stone.  Inside he found stunning green grains and crystals.  After gemmological tests were conducted, it was announced that the find was green grossularite, a member of the garnet family.

Many experts clambered for this wonderful looking gem (including Tiffany & Co. in New York) however at the time obtaining an export licence was impossible.  Not wanting to admit defeat, Campbell Bridges went in search of other sources of the stone.  This proved to be difficult as the Earth's plates which were moving around a lot damaged much of the gems.

It wasn't until 1971 that another lot of these green gemstones were found in Kenya, where he was then able to register his find and could start exploiting the occurrence.

Finally by 1974, Tiffany started to use and promote Tzavorite in the USA.

Green Grossularite Garnet

This gem stone is a form of grossularite garnet but is called Tsavorite.  This is because when naming gemstones now, the gem must end in "ite".  Because the gem was found in Tzavo National Game Park, Henry Platt (former president of Tifany & Co) suggested the name Tsavorite.  However it is also referred to as Tzavolith as "lith" means "stone" in Greek.

The vivid green of this stone have made Tsavorite highly desirable.  Unusually, this gem does not require to be heated or oiled.  Also Tsavorite is extremely robust and is less likely to become damaged or splinter.  Tsavorite also lends itself well to "invisible settings" which allows the stones to be set close together.  This is not possible with Emeralds.

What is especially stands out about Tsavorite (besides it's beauty) is the price.  Compared to Emeralds, Tsavorite is very inexpensive.  This is largely due to the general public not being aware of this beautiful gem's existence.  However Tsavorite has many advantages over Emeralds and is much more rare.  As a result Tsavorite could well be a wise investment.