**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation only, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————— Description: Formed in the Tsavo region of southeastern Kenya, within the geological corridor that gave this gemstone its name, this natural tsavorite crystal presents an exceptional display of green intensity that immediately recalls the finest emerald hues. Its colour is vivid, concentrated and unmistakably chromium driven, producing a saturated emerald green that appears internally illuminated, remaining powerful and energetic despite the compact size of the specimen. The chromatic strength is striking, giving the impression of a stone lit from within rather than merely reflecting external light. The crystal occurs in a naturally sculpted, compact form, shaped by geological pressure rather than crystallographic symmetry. Its silhouette is dense and organic, with fresh fracture planes and softly contoured edges that speak directly to the high energy environment in which tsavorite forms. This is not a decorative fragment, but a concentrated core of material, where mass, colour and optical presence dominate over formal geometry. Internally, the stone reveals a vibrant chromatic architecture. Brighter neon emerald zones transition into slightly deeper grassy green areas, creating depth and movement beneath the surface. Light penetrates selectively, activating internal growth boundaries and natural fissures that enhance brilliance rather than diminish it. These internal features confirm the stone’s natural origin while contributing to its dynamic optical behaviour, producing flashes and glow under directional lighting. The surface displays a fresh vitreous to resinous lustre along exposed fracture planes, contrasting subtly with areas of softer texture formed during extraction. This interplay of surfaces enhances both tactile and visual complexity, allowing the specimen to respond dramatically to changes in light angle and intensity. Tsavorite from Tsavo is globally regarded as the highest expression of green garnet, prized for its purity of hue, chromium driven saturation and superior brilliance. This specimen embodies those qualities in a compact but powerful form, offering a rare combination of intensity, origin and gem quality that stands well above ordinary tsavorite material. Specifications: • Weight: 0.52 g • Weight in carats: 2.60 ct • Dimensions: 8 × 7 × 5 mm • Origin: Tsavo region, Taita Taveta, Kenya • Mineral species: Grossular Garnet • Variety: Tsavorite • Crystal habit: Naturally formed massive crystal fragment • Colour: Intense emerald green with strong chromium influence • Colour distribution: Zonal with vibrant internal variation • Transparency: Translucent with active internal light transmission • Lustre: Vitreous to resinous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Authentic natural tsavorite from the world’s premier producing region • Exceptional emerald green colour driven by chromium content • Neon like internal glow creating a lamp effect under light • Strong colour presence despite compact dimensions • Dense, well concentrated material rather than peripheral fragment • Layered internal colour zoning adding depth and movement • Natural internal features enhancing brilliance and authenticity • Fresh fracture planes displaying vitreous lustre • Clear distinction from ordinary green garnet material • Colour quality comparable to high grade tsavorite gems • Strong dual appeal for collectors and lapidaries • Completely natural with no treatment or surface modification Collector’s Interest: For collectors, this tsavorite represents a pure and uncompromised expression of one of the most prestigious green gemstones known. Its value lies in chromatic authority rather than size, delivering an emerald green intensity that is rarely preserved in natural crystal form. Specimens from Tsavo with this level of saturation and internal vitality are increasingly scarce, making this piece particularly attractive to collectors who prioritise colour integrity, origin and geological truth over cosmetic perfection. Lapidary Potential: From a lapidary perspective, this tsavorite offers excellent potential due to its exceptional colour concentration and zones of usable internal clarity. Based on the stone’s dimensions and material density, a skilled lapidary could realistically expect a finished gemstone in the range of approximately 0.80 to 1.10 carats, depending on cutting orientation and inclusion management. The chromium driven emerald green suggests that even a one carat finished stone would retain strong saturation and brilliance, placing it firmly within the gem quality tsavorite category. While the specimen stands confidently as a natural crystal, its lapidary potential is genuine and significant, appealing equally to cutters seeking high impact stones and collectors who appreciate the rarity of such material in rough form. ————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals