noun

malachite

MAL-uh-kyte

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Malachite (noun) means a bright green mineral consisting of basic copper carbonate, mined as an ore of copper. Example: “The museum displayed a polished slab of malachite from the Congo.”

noun

A bright green mineral consisting of basic copper carbonate, mined as an ore of copper.

"The museum displayed a polished slab of malachite from the Congo."

"Malachite is often carved into beads and ornaments for its banded green pattern."

"Ancient jewellers valued malachite both as a gemstone and as a source of copper."

A mild green colour resembling that of the mineral.

"The walls were painted a deep malachite."

"She chose curtains in malachite to match the tiled floor."

How to use malachite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA green mineral used as a copper ore and decorative stone, and the green colour named after it.

When to use it

A specialist term from mineralogy that has also passed into general use as a colour name.

Memory tip

Picture the swirled green bands of the stone to recall both the mineral and the colour sense.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

polished malachite malachite green a slab of malachite malachite jewellery

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum displayed a polished slab of _____ from the Congo.

Etymology

Malachite came into English from Middle French malachite, which traces back to Latin molochitis and ultimately to the Ancient Greek word for the leaf of the mallow plant.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for malachite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site twite white write trite smite

See all rhymes for malachite →

Frequently asked questions

What is malachite made of?

Malachite is a basic copper carbonate mineral, and one of the main ores from which copper is extracted.

Why is malachite called that?

Its name traces back to an Ancient Greek word for mallow leaves, by way of Latin and Middle French.

Is malachite a colour as well as a stone?

Yes, malachite also refers to the mild green colour that the mineral displays.

What is the meaning of malachite?

"malachite" (noun) means a bright green mineral consisting of basic copper carbonate, mined as an ore of copper.