Tsavorite
green · Garnet family
| Also known as | Garnet (Garnet family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Green |
| Mohs hardness | 7.0–7.5 |
| Lustre | vitreous to resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Can form with any diaphaneity, translucent is common |
| Cleavage | Indistinct |
| Fracture | conchoidal to uneven |
| Chemical formula | Ca 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 |
| Specific gravity | 3.60–3.68 |
What is Tsavorite?
Tsavorite or tsavolite is a variety of the garnet group species grossular, a calcium-aluminium garnet with the formula Ca3Al2Si3O12. Trace amounts of vanadium or chromium provide the green color.
How to identify Tsavorite
- Lustre: vitreous to resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 7.0–7.5 — hard enough to scratch glass.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Tsavorite in different forms
Stones often confused with Tsavorite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Tsavorite?
Tsavorite is Mohs 7.0–7.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Tsavorite?
Tsavorite is typically green (Light to deep green).