- malachite
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/mal"euh kuyt'/, n.1. a green mineral, basic copper carbonate, Cu2CO3(OH)2, an ore of copper, used for making ornamental articles.2. a ceramic ware made in imitation of this.[1350-1400; < Gk malách(e) MALLOW + -ITE1; r. ME melochites < MF melochite, repr. L molochitis < Gk molochîtis, deriv. of molóche, var. of MALÁCHE]
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Because of its distinctive, bright green colour and its presence in the weathered zone of nearly all copper deposits, malachite serves as a prospecting guide. It is found in Siberia, France, Namibia, and Arizona. Malachite has been used as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone.* * *
▪ minerala minor ore but a widespread mineral of copper, basic copper carbonate, Cu2CO3(OH)2. Because of its distinctive bright green colour and its presence in the weathered zone of nearly all copper deposits, malachite serves as a prospecting guide for that metal. Notable occurrences are Nizhne-Tagilsk, Siberia; Chessy, Fr.; Tsumeb, Namibia; and Bisbee, Ariz., U.S. Malachite has been used as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone. It is more abundant and widespread than azurite, with which it is usually found. For detailed physical properties, see carbonate mineral (table).* * *
Universalium. 2010.