malachite
Americannoun
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a green mineral, basic copper carbonate, Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 , an ore of copper, used for making ornamental articles.
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a ceramic ware made in imitation of this.
noun
Etymology
Origin of malachite
1350–1400; < Greek malách ( ē ) mallow + -ite 1; replacing Middle English melochites < Middle French melochite, representing Latin molochītis < Greek molochîtis, derivative of molóchē, variant of maláchē
Explanation
Malachite is a vibrant green mineral that's formed by the weathering of copper ore in the ground. Prized as a gemstone for its striped or patterned appearance and bright color, malachite is used in jewelry. Oxidized copper gives malachite its color, and it was that brilliant green that inspired people to begin mining it as early as 4000 BCE. Malachite has been used in paint, sculpture, and jewelry for thousands of years. There are also dozens of superstitions connected to malachite, including the belief that it protects sleeping children from evil spirits. Malachite gets its name from the Greek malakhe, "mallow," a plant whose leaves are the same green hue as the stone.
Vocabulary lists containing malachite
Green
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Earth Science - Middle School
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Earth Science - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it wasn’t the right green: The upper walls now wear the correct copper-based “verditer” green paint, with the tone of malachite, complemented below the chair rails in a buff color.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026
Their wings, in shades of lavender, green and red, represented certain crystals and traits: amethyst as one of calm and purity, malachite as one of protection and rose garnet for healing and love.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025
It is made of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and pink coral.
From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2024
The gothic-style brooch — composed of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and coral — is now by far the most prized piece in her modest collection.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024
He presented Humboldt with a sable cloak worth five thousand rubles, and a malachite vase seven feet high, worth nearly forty thousand rubles.
From Famous Men of Science by Bolton, Sarah K.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
