Tsavorite or tsavolite is a calcium aluminium garnet of the grossular species. The green color is caused by the presence of traces of vanadium or chromium.

In 1967, Dr. Campbell R Bridges – a British gem prospector and geologist discovered a deposit of green grossular in the mountains of north-east Tanzania.

The specimens found were intensely colored and highly transparent. This new find interested the gem trade but the Tanzanian government did not permit the export the stones.

This gemstone was only known to mineral specialists – until a marketing campaign was launched by Tiffany and Co in 1974.

The name tsavorite was proposed by Sir. Henry Platt (Co president of Tiffany) in honor of Tsavo National Park of Kenya. The only other known source of the gemstone is Madagascar.

Tsavorite has been found in large sizes. In 2006 a 925-carat crystal was discovered. It yielded an oval mixed-cut 325 carat stone. Another crystal uncovered in early 2006 yielded a 120 carat oval gem.