Tag: gemology

Tsavorite History with Bruce Bridges

Tsavorite History with Bruce Bridges

In Part One of this two-part interview, Bruce Bridges discusses his father’s discovery of tsavorite, their mines in Kenya, and how the name “tsavorite” came to be.

Bruce Bridges is the owner of Bridges Tsavorite. Bruce’s father, Campbell Bridges, embarked on a lifelong adventure after discovering tsavorite in the 1960s. Tsavorite is a rare variety of grossularite (garnet) whose rich green color comes from traces of chromium and/or vanadium oxide. Compared to emerald in appearance, this lesser-known gem is actually rarer, more durable, and more affordable.

Selected Links from the Episode

Connect with Bruce: Website | Instagram

History of Tsavorite

What is Tsavorite?

Tanzanite

Listen to Part Two here. (coming soon)

Full Show Notes

Growing up in the mines [3:00]

The discovery of tsavorite [7:30]

Tsavorite nomenclature [20:00]

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“Turquoise Fever” Mining with Emily Otteson

“Turquoise Fever” Mining with Emily Otteson

Turquoise miner and reality television personality, Emily Otteson, discusses American turquoise, variscite and White Buffalo mining, the impact their television show has had on the Otteson family business and the future of the turquoise market. 

Emily Otteson and her husband own multiple turquoise mines in Nevada and are featured on the hit television show, Turquoise Fever. 

Selected Links from the Episode

Connect with Emily: Shop | Instagram | Etsy

Turquoise Fever: Watch Now

Gemstones: Turquoise | White Buffalo | Poseidon (Variscite)

Full Show Notes

Mining in Nevada [4:16]

White Buffalo is Dolomite-Calcite; NOT Howlite and NOT “White Turquoise” [12:10]

“Turquoise Fever” the TV Show [14:25]

Connect with Jewels of the Trade

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