**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: If the legendary green of Tsavo were to be expressed in its purest and most complete mineral form, it would emerge exactly like this exceptional tsavorite crystal. Not as a fragment, not as a broken remnant destined only for cutting, but as a fully formed, naturally terminated crystal where every face tells the story of uninterrupted growth. This is tsavorite in its most honest and complete expression, a form that is far rarer than any polished stone and, in many respects, more valuable than a conventional emerald, though without diminishing the historical and emotional importance of emeralds themselves. The colour is extraordinary. A vivid, saturated green of remarkable intensity fills the crystal body, displaying a chromatic strength that rivals and often surpasses that of standard emerald material. Under natural light, the stone presents a deep, confident green that feels rich and balanced. When exposed to direct or backlighting, the interior ignites with a chromed, almost neon glow, revealing luminous internal flashes that give the crystal an unmistakable sense of vitality and depth. This behaviour is characteristic of high chromium and vanadium content, confirming its true tsavorite identity and exceptional gem quality. What elevates this specimen far beyond ordinary rough is its completeness. The crystal is fully developed, preserving all its natural faces and culminating in a sharp, pointed termination. Such complete tsavorite crystals are extremely rare, as most material from the Tsavo region is fractured, fragmented, or extracted in forms unsuitable for preserving full crystal geometry. Here, the structure remains intact, offering a rare glimpse into the mineral’s original isometric growth without compromise. Internally, the crystal is translucent to locally transparent, allowing light to travel through its compact structure and activate its saturated green core. Natural growth features and internal characteristics are present, as expected in an untreated crystal, yet they do not detract from its visual impact. On the contrary, they enhance its authenticity, reinforcing that this stone has not been altered, polished, or enhanced in any way. Formed in the metamorphic environments of the Tsavo region, this tsavorite reflects the geological conditions that made this locality legendary. High pressure, elevated temperatures and chromium rich environments combined to produce garnets of unparalleled colour and durability. While most tsavorites reach the market as faceted stones, specimens like this one preserve both gemological and mineralogical value, standing at the intersection of two worlds. This is not merely rough material. It is a complete natural crystal of exceptional colour, gem quality and structural integrity. A piece that commands attention not by size, but by rarity, balance and chromatic authority. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.08 g • Weight in carats: 0.40 ct • Dimensions: 3 × 3 × 3 mm • Origin: Tsavo region, Kenya / Tanzania border • Mineral species: Grossular Garnet • Variety: Tsavorite • Crystal system: Isometric (cubic) • Crystal habit: Fully formed natural crystal with complete faces and pointed termination • Colour: Intense vivid green with chromium and vanadium driven saturation • Colour distribution: Strong and concentrated throughout the crystal body • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated NOTABLE POINTS: • Fully complete natural crystal Unlike the majority of tsavorite material, this specimen preserves all its natural crystal faces, representing uninterrupted mineral growth from formation to extraction. • Rare pointed termination The sharp apex confirms true natural termination, a feature seldom seen in tsavorite due to the fragile nature of extraction in metamorphic environments. • Exceptional gem quality The colour purity, saturation and light response place this tsavorite firmly in gem quality territory, even before considering any lapidary potential. • Colour intensity exceeding many emeralds While respecting emerald’s legacy, this tsavorite displays a green that is often more vivid, cleaner and more luminous than standard emerald material. • Chromium and vanadium driven green The vivid hue is the result of chromium and vanadium chemistry, responsible for tsavorite’s celebrated brilliance and stability. • Outstanding response to light Under direct illumination, the crystal reveals neon like internal flashes and a chromed green glow, highlighting its internal vitality. • Isometric crystal geometry preserved The cubic crystal system is clearly expressed through balanced geometry and coherent face development. • Natural internal features Growth features and internal structures confirm authenticity and untreated status, enhancing mineralogical value. • Untreated and unmodified No heating, no enhancement, no polishing. The crystal remains exactly as nature formed it. • Origin from the legendary Tsavo region Tsavo is the reference locality for tsavorite, producing the finest and most saturated green garnets known. • Extremely rare in this size and form Complete crystals of tsavorite at this quality and preservation level are far rarer than fragmented rough or cut stones. • Dual mineralogical and gemological interest This specimen appeals equally to collectors of fine minerals and high quality gemstones. COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: For collectors, this tsavorite represents a rare convergence of colour, completeness and authenticity. Complete tsavorite crystals are seldom encountered, as most material is fragmented long before reaching the market. The preservation of all crystal faces and a natural termination elevates this specimen far beyond typical rough. Its gem quality colour, intense green saturation and strong light response place it among the most desirable expressions of Tsavo material. Rather than competing with faceted stones, this crystal stands apart, offering something rarer: a complete and untouched natural form that embodies both geological history and gemological excellence. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: Despite its strong collector appeal as a natural crystal, this tsavorite does present lapidary potential. The colour saturation is sufficient to support cutting, and careful orientation could yield a small but exceptionally vivid gemstone. Its size makes it particularly suitable for delicate jewellery applications such as a fine ring accent or an earring, where intense colour is prioritised over carat weight. That said, any cutting would irreversibly sacrifice the crystal’s complete natural geometry and mineralogical value. For this reason, its highest expression remains in its current form, where its completeness, termination and internal glow can be fully appreciated as nature intended. ————— 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