RocksdayGrossular vs Tsavorite
To tell Grossular from Tsavorite: Tsavorite is the vivid green gem variety of grossular.
Calcium aluminum garnet in more colors than any other garnet — green tsavorite and cinnamon hessonite are the best known.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Vivid green grossular garnet, colored by vanadium or chromium, from the border country of Kenya and Tanzania.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Key differences
- Tsavorite is the vivid green gem variety of grossular.
- Tsavorite is the green gem variety of grossular.
Side by side
| Property | Grossular | Tsavorite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7.5 | 7–7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, Orange, Brown, Pink | Green |
| Crystal system | Cubic | Cubic |
| Specific gravity | 3.57–3.73 | 3.6–3.7 |
| Formula | Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ | Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ |
| Found in | Tsavo, Kenya; Tanzania | Tsavo area, Kenya; Lemshuko, Tanzania |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify grossular
- Rounded garnet crystals in green, orange, pink or brown.
- Hardness about 7.
- Hessonite often looks 'swirly' inside, like syrup in water.
Crystal system: Cubic
Full Grossular guide →How to identify tsavorite
- Intense green, often cleaner-looking than emerald.
- Hardness about 7–7.5, with no cleavage.
- Rounded garnet crystals or waterworn pebbles, not hexagonal prisms.
Crystal system: Cubic
Full Tsavorite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between grossular and tsavorite?
Grossular is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually green, orange, brown or pink. Tsavorite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually green.
How can you tell grossular from tsavorite?
Tsavorite is the vivid green gem variety of grossular. Tsavorite is the green gem variety of grossular.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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