malachite

noun

mal·​a·​chite ˈma-lə-ˌkīt How to pronounce malachite (audio)
: a green mineral that is a basic carbonate of copper used especially for making ornamental objects

Examples of malachite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds are juxtaposed against bands of malachite and turquoise. — Richard Mille Contributor, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 At its base are two green rings made of malachite, which include 20 rectangular spaces where the names of winners are engraved. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 June 2026 That’s significant because malachite can be heated to produce copper. — ArsTechnica, 1 June 2026 Apart from galena, Egyptians used the metallic element antimony and the mineral malachite in their kohl. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for malachite

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English melochites, from Latin molochites, from Greek molochitēs, from molochē, malachē mallow

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malachite was in 1656

Rhymes for malachite

See All Rhymes for malachite

Browse Nearby Words

Malachias
malachite
Malacichthyes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malachite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malachite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malachite

noun
mal·​a·​chite ˈmal-ə-ˌkīt How to pronounce malachite (audio)
: a green mineral that contains copper and is used especially for ornamental objects

More from Merriam-Webster on malachite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about malachite

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