Tsavorite Garnet
The green, chromium or vanadium-rich variety of grossular garnet.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.730–1.760
SG Range3.59–3.65
SG Typical3.61
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemCubic
Optic CharacterSR (Singly Refractive)
Dispersion0.028
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterRed
PleochroismNone
ColorsGreen
SpeciesGarnet
VarietyTsavorite
Related: Garnet Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Bright, intense green color
- Singly refractive
- High RI and dispersion
Common Simulants
- Emerald: Emerald: uniaxial negative DR; RI 1.577–1.583; SG 2.72; Chelsea filter red; typically has more inclusions (jardin).
- Demantoid Garnet: Demantoid: higher RI (1.888); stronger fire/dispersion; may have horsetail inclusions; SG 3.84.
- Green Tourmaline: Tourmaline: uniaxial negative DR; RI 1.624–1.644; SG 3.06; shows facet doubling under loupe.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Emerald, Demantoid Garnet, Tourmaline, glass, Chrome Diopside.
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$500
Natural — high ($/ct)$5,000
NotePer carat; intense medium-dark green; large clean stones above 2 ct are very scarce
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
About Tsavorite Garnet
The green, chromium or vanadium-rich variety of grossular garnet.
Identifying a tsavorite garnet? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →