Tsavorite is the emerald green variety of the grossular garnet group species which is colored by traces of chromium or vanadium. This brilliant green gemstone hails from Kenya and was named in honor of Tsavo East National Park which is near the first commercial mines. Originally discovered in neighboring Tanzania in 1967, the new transparent green gemstone could not be mined because Tanzania’s government would not issue mining permits. Deposits were located across the border in Kenya and commercial mining began. Garnet is designated as the birthstone for January and the 2nd wedding anniversary.