malachite

American  

[mal-uh-kahyt] / ˈmæl əˌkaɪt /

noun

1. a green mineral, basic copper carbonate, Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 , an ore of copper, used for making ornamental articles.

2. a ceramic ware made in imitation of this.

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malachite British  

/ ˈmæləˌkaɪt /

noun

1. a bright green mineral, found in veins and in association with copper deposits. It is a source of copper and is used as an ornamental stone. Composition: hydrated copper carbonate. Formula: Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 . Crystal structure: monoclinic

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malachite Scientific  

/ măl′ə-kīt′ /

1. A bright-green monoclinic mineral occurring as a mass of crystals (an aggregate) with smooth or botryoidal (grape-shaped) surfaces. It is often concentrically banded in different shades of green. Malachite often occurs together with the mineral azurite in copper deposits. Chemical formula: Cu ₂ CO ₃ (OH) ₂ .

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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.

Example Sentences

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

They come in three fresh designs: malachite, mushrooms and what’s being called a graphic version of wicker.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

The chrysanthemum leaves, the chartreuse of the teapot inlay and the antique bronze are different shades of green — but all come from malachite.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2023

Up the floating stairs, the second floor has an open layout, with a family room set apart from the kitchen and dining area by a green double-sided malachite marble gas fireplace.

From Washington Post • Nov. 18, 2022

There the mines of copper and malachite were worked for him, and an Egyptian garrison kept guard upon the Bedouin tribes.

From The Egypt of the Hebrews and Herodotos by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)

Related Words

• blue-green
• olive