malachite

[ mal-uh-kahyt ]

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.

malachite

/ 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

malachite

/ 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of malachite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of malachite¹

C16: via Old French from Latin molochītēs, from Greek molokhitis mallow-green stone, from molokhē mallow

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

It is made of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and pink coral.

From New York Times

And in some instances, crystals are unearthed from more toxic forms of mining, such as when large copper mines produce specimens of the green banded mineral malachite or when the brilliant red-to-orange mineral wulfenite crops up during lead mining.

From National Geographic

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

Related Words

• blue-green
• olive