Tsavorite Garnet
Mohs Hardness - 6.5-7.5 Found in Africa History - Tsavorite Tsavorite(savor-ite) Garnet is the trade name given to the brightest green of the Garnet family. It is rare in large finished pieces, most are well under 5 carats. The color is due to chromium and vanadium. It was 1st discovered in 1970 in Tanzania then again later in Keyna in small shallow pockets through the terrain. Tsavorite was originally named for the Tsavo River and national park. It was renamed by Tiffany and Co. to Tsavolite, but is usually identified by its original name. Garnet is one of the world's most ancient gems, was called carbuncle by early civilizations. Its name is derived from the Latin word granatum (pomegranate), this alludes to the garnet's color and seedlike crystal formation. Garnet can be found in almost every color but blue. Metaphysical - Once thought to cure fever and promote good health. Worn for protection when traveling. It is said that Asiatic tribes used garnets instead of bullets during battle, believing the red stone to be more lethal than lead. A symbol of fire, faith, truth, grace, constancy, and fidelity. It was used in ancient times to ease childbirth and stop bleeding. Legend says that a large garnet carbuncle was set on a pedestal in the center of Noah's Ark and a bright light shone from it, causing the whole ship to be illuminated day and night. It is also said that garnet that is given as a gift gives its owner loyalty and affection. But a warning is that when a garnet loses it's lustre, it's as sign of danger or disaster. It is a preferred stone for a business person, as it encourages success, especially the green demantoid. And any one who dreams of garnet is said to have the solution of a mystery soon revealed. Also thought to help the bloodstream, arthritis, circulation, hormones, and the thyroid, and to increase popularity and sexuality.