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Lion of Merelani Tsavorite
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Lion of Merelani | NMNH G11791 | Tanzania, Arusha | 116.76 ct |
The Lion of Merelani, at 116.76 carats, is the largest known square cushion-cut tsavorite. Mined in 2017, this gem was cut from a 283.76-carat piece of rough. In 2018 it was precision-faceted by world-renown gem cutter, Victor Tuzlukov. Tsavorite is the intense green variety of grossular garnet and is found only in a small region that straddles Tanzania and Kenya. The extraordinary size, brilliant green color, and exceptional clarity make this tsavorite extremely rare. It is the largest and finest tsavorite in the National Gem Collection. The gem was named in honor of the late Campbell Bridges, who discovered tsavorite in the 1960s and was referred to in the region as "The Lion".