Garnet Vs. Tsavorite

Garnet is a very popular gemstone composed of a group of silicates.^[1] Tsavorite is a gemstone (garnet) and its chemical composition is calcium aluminum silicate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Garnet and Tsavorite

For a quick recap of the differences garnet and tsavorite:

• While both garnet and tsavorite can be transparent, garnet can be opaque or translucent.
• For chemical formulas, garnet is X3Y2(SiO4)4 while tsavorite is Ca3Al2Si3O12.
• While both garnet and tsavorite can be adamantine or vitreous, in terms of luster, garnet can be resinous or submetallic.
• Garnet streaks colorless while tsavorite streaks white.
• While both garnet and tsavorite can be commonly green, garnet is often black, blue, brown, gray, orange, pink, purple, red or yellow.
• Garnet's rarity is less rare than tsavorite.

Summary of Garnet

Garnet is a popular mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It is a silicate mineral that is composed of calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, and chromium. Garnet has a distinct reddish-brown color, but it can also be found in shades of green, yellow, orange, and black. It is a hard mineral and has a Mohs hardness scale rating of 6.5-7.5.

Summary of Tsavorite

Tsavorite is a rare gemstone belonging to the garnet family. It was first discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania by British geologist Campbell Bridges and was later found in Kenya. Tsavorite is known for its vivid green color, which is caused by the presence of vanadium and chromium. It is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world due to its rarity and beauty.

Table Comparison of Garnet vs Tsavorite