Precious and semiprecious stones from ancient times have attracted people's attention. They were credited with magical, witching charms, healing properties, considered them a talisman, a talisman. Currently, interest in this topic has grown tremendously. Not only long-known minerals are very popular, but also unfamiliar to a wide range of consumers - for example, tsavorite.
A bit of history
Tsavorit became known as a stone for jewelry not so long ago, just a few decades ago. The discoverer’s honor rightfully belongs to the Scottish geologist Campbell L. Bridgetts. In the 60s of the last century, the British Atomic Energy Association organized an expedition to East Africa to search for beryllium deposits. This mineral is one of the most important components in the operation of nuclear reactors.
Once, an angry African buffalo attacked a young explorer. To escape, the geologist had to jump into the nearest ravine. There, he pressed himself against the slope and stood without moving. Black bulls do not see well and chase after the enemy only as long as they hear him. The animal soon went home, and the scientist saw some greenish pebbles on a blurry steep slope. This was the reign.
The stone got its name from the place of find - Tsavo National Park (or Tsavo), which is located in Kenya. Campbell subsequently engaged in the development of the field, for a long time he lived with his family in Africa. He collaborated with the world famous company Tiffany, was engaged in the supply of stones, and also worked as an expert on jewelry.
However, the leaders of the local Masai tribe, who considered these lands the property of their people, in every possible way impeded work, threatened and sent complaints to the local authorities. In addition, envious people appeared in a wealthy businessman who wished to appropriate a high-income enterprise. As a result, it ended in tragedy. When Campbell, with his son Bruce and several guards, drove in his car on the savannah, they were attacked. The wounded Bruce survived, and Campbell died a few days later in the hospital.
Mineral characteristics
The gem is one of the varieties of semiprecious red garnet. It is also often found under the name Kenyan emerald. Some sources may have a different spelling - tsavorite or tsavolit. The composition of tsavorite includes 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 the stones is usually saturated, even, without inclusions and spots, with good transparency.
Most often, minerals are light green, less often - a medium shade with a yellow or gray tint, in rare cases gems can be painted in a very deep dark green color.
Tsavorite is characterized by high strength, therefore, it usually has practically no drawbacks in the form of chips and cracking. It has the correct crystalline form, lends itself well to jewelry processing, cutting. Crystals are also found in small sizes, weighing less than one carat (0.2 grams), they are relatively inexpensive. They are used to make jewelry made of silver.
Tsavorites of 5 carats or more are extremely rare, and their cost is quite high. The largest stone found recently has a mass of 30 carats.
It was discovered at a field in the Kenya Tsavo National Park.
Place of Birth
In addition to Kenya, green pomegranate 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 with Afghanistan. However, starting development there today is not possible 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 praised by jewelers and collectors.
Mining in all regions is done only by hand, which is due to the relatively shallow occurrence of the rock. Another obstacle that significantly complicates the mining 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 profit to its owner, is dangerous because of the inability to provide reliable protection against attacks by armed bandits both at the field itself and during transportation.
Healing and magical properties
Like any natural minerals, tsavorite has certain healing properties. It can be said that the beneficial qualities of all green gems are concentrated in it. For example, it is believed that he copes well with such an unpleasant eye disease as barley. It is enough just to attach it several times to a sore spot.
Regular contemplation of stones helps get rid of insomnia and anxiety. The dream becomes strong and calm, nightmare visions disappear. Calm and harmony comes. In addition, tsavorite will be useful to weather-sensitive people, and it also normalizes blood pressure and can lower the temperature in colds.
As for magic, the Kenyan emerald was never used in their rites by ancient shamans and sorcerers. This happened because this gem was discovered recently.However, despite this, it was found that the stone has an exceptionally positive effect on its owner. It calms, harmonizes the personality, improves relationships in the family.
It is also noted that he is able to increase wealth, attracts financial independence. And not only the one to whom the jewelry belongs, but also his relatives and friends. It is believed that the greatest strength of the mineral manifests itself when it is adjacent to silver.
If you use this stone as an amulet in the house, it will protect housing from natural disasters, fires and robberies.
Who is it for?
From the point of view of astrologers, the tsarite is most suitable for the water signs of the zodiac - Pisces, Cancers, Scorpios. It is in these people that the positive properties of the mineral are revealed with all possible strength. It brings peace and tranquility, takes away any negative from both the person and the house in which he lives. In addition, jewelry with green pomegranate can be worn by Taurus women. Stylish silver earrings trimmed with small green pebbles will look great on elegant ladies.
Beautiful examples
Tsavorite is very widely used in jewelry making. Out of the hands of masters, professionals in their field, outstanding works of art come out that attract the eye.
From large stones inserted in a silver frame, magnificent rings and pendants are obtained. Such products are quite expensive.
Beads are made from smaller ones, and they are used to decorate many other jewelry, the cost of which is much lower.
The tsavorite can be combined with other stones, it acts with them on an equal footing and does not lose even in the vicinity of a shining diamond.
About what tsavorite is, see the following video:
