The majority of tsavorites are mined in East Africa, specifically in Kenya and Tanzania. These countries are renowned for producing high-quality tsavorite gemstones. The tsavorite deposits in these regions are located in the same geological belt known as the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Belt, which extends across both countries.
Kenya is particularly famous for its tsavorite mines in the Taita-Taveta County, located in the southeastern part of the country. The region around the Tsavo National Park, near the Taita Hills, is known for producing some of the finest tsavorites in the world. The deposits in this area were first discovered in the late 1960s, and they continue to be a significant source of tsavorite production.
Tanzania is another important source of tsavorite gemstones. The most notable tsavorite deposits in Tanzania are found in the Manyara Region, near the border with Kenya. The mining area around the Merelani Hills, located in the Lelatema Mountains, is known for producing both tsavorite and tanzanite.
While Kenya and Tanzania are the primary sources of tsavorites, smaller quantities of this gemstone have also been found in other countries, including Madagascar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. However, the East African deposits remain the most significant and produce the majority of the world's tsavorite supply.