Malachite Stalactite Slice

Malachite is a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, one of the first ores to be used to produce copper metal. Has been used as a gemstone, sculptures, and pigment for thousands of years. Malachite does not fade over time or when exposed to light. Malachite’s striking green color ranges from a mint green to a deep, verdant emerald that’s almost black. Typically found as stalactites and botryoidal coatings on surfaces of underground cavities- similar to calcite deposits found in caves. When cut into slabs, the surfaces usually exhibit banding and eyes similar to agate.

Malachite is one of the oldest known green pigments to be used in paintings. It can easily be ground into a soft powder due to its low Mohs score, mixes easily with vehicles (water, oil, etc.), and retains its color when exposed to light overtime (unlike amethyst). The pigment is also known as Olympian green. This pigment is found in the paintings of Egyptian tombs and in paintings produced throughout Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Olympian green's use in art declined significantly during the 17th century when alternative green colors were developed.