Stakeholders in Simanjiro, Manyara Region, have urged the government to officially recognize Green Garnet, locally known as Tsavorite, as one of the world’s most valuable gemstones.
The call comes amid rising global demand and the mineral’s abundant presence in parts of northern Tanzania.
Industry players, including gemstone traders, value-adders, miners, and licensed operators, stressed that while Green Garnet commands high value internationally, it remains underappreciated in Tanzania’s legal and commercial frameworks.
Money Kassanga, Chairman of Tanzanite Miners in Manyara, said the absence of official valuation often forces miners to sell the stones at prices far below their actual international worth. “Many times we extract stones without knowing their true value.
The lack of formal guidelines allows middlemen to buy gemstones at very low prices, denying miners their rightful income,” he said.
Peter Pereira, a gemstone trader in Arusha, called on the Ministry of Minerals and the Tanzania Mining Commission to implement strategies that formally recognize Green Garnet and promote it in both local and international markets.
He noted that smuggling and illegal sales continue to depress the gemstone’s value, urging authorities to act swiftly.
Seleman Ismael, a certified gemstone appraiser from the Mirerani Resident Mining Office, said Green Garnet is highly prized in jewelry making due to its vibrant green color, durability, and suitability for value addition.
Its specific gravity ranges from 3.5 to 4.3, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 qualities that distinguish it from other gemstones, including Tanzanite.
Green Garnet was officially discovered in northern Tanzania in the early 1970s and is closely linked to the broader discovery of East African gemstones in the second half of the 20th century.
Stakeholders believe that formal recognition and proper regulation will not only protect the gemstone’s value but also enhance Tanzania’s global reputation as a premium gemstone producer.