malachite

/ˌmæləˈkaɪt/

Other forms: malachites

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.

Definitions of malachite

1. noun

   a green mineral used for jewelry, ornaments, and copper ore
   types:

   azurite

   blue carbonate of copper; blue malachite

   type of:

   mineral

   solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition