Tsavorite is a green variety of Grossular, which is a species of the Garnet mineral group. It is a calcium aluminum silicate with trace amounts of vanadium or chromium that provide the green color. The green hues of Tsavorite can rival Emerald in both color and price. Tsavorite is far more rare than Emerald, and the crystals are generally quite small. Most faceted gemstones are under a few carats with larger clean gemstones fetching very high prices. Tsavorite is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 Mohs. It has a higher brilliance and light dispersion than Emerald and generally has much less inclusions.

Tsavorite is named after the Tsavo region of Kenya, although it was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Kenya and Tanzania are the main sources for Tsavorite, but there are smaller deposits that have been found in Madagascar, Pakistan and Antarctica. The most valuable Tsavorite gemstones have a deep chrome green color and weigh over two carats. Tsavorite cannot be treated or enhanced.