malachite
Americannoun
-
a green mineral, basic copper carbonate, Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 , an ore of copper, used for making ornamental articles.
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Earth Science - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Earth Science - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Unassuming from the outside, the shop opens into a huge ark of mortar-crusted brick and ribcage-like beams, with long dining tables displaying shapely vases, pitchers, teacups and plates in shades of apricot, amber and malachite.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 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
“When a painter wanted white pigment, they crushed a white shell or azurite for blue or malachite for green.”
From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023
The bases of these columns are malachite, and were given by the Czar Nicholas of Russia.
From Cathedral Cities of Italy by Collins, William Wiehe
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.
