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Malachite
#0BDA51 · click to copy
Cool
HEX
#0BDA51
RGB
11, 218, 81
CMYK
95%, 0%, 63%, 15%
Pigment
PG39 (synthetic), natural malachite (no standard code)
Lightfastness
Poor to Moderate (III) — natural malachite darkens over time; modern synthetic equivalents better
Moods & Keywords
green
bright
vivid
jewel
ancient
mineral
copper
Pigment & Material
PG39 (synthetic), natural malachite (no standard code)
Natural
Basic copper carbonate Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂. Ground from the mineral malachite — unstable in oil paint but brilliant in fresco and egg tempera.
Origin & History
Malachite is one of the oldest green pigments — used in ancient Egypt since at least 3000 BCE for both painting and cosmetics (as eye shadow). The Egyptians called it "wadj" and associated it with the fertility goddess Hathor. Russian painters used it extensively in icon painting from the Byzantine era through the 17th century, when imported synthetic pigments began replacing it.
Also Known As
Mountain Green
Berggrün
Verde di Montagna
Green Verditer
Psychology
Vivid, mineral, and powerful. Malachite is a green that comes directly from the earth — it carries the weight and presence of stone. Its characteristic banding pattern (in the mineral form) creates a hypnotic, eye-like quality that has made it associated with protection and the evil eye in many cultures.
In Culture
The Malachite Room in the Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum), St. Petersburg, features columns, pilasters, and decorative elements entirely faced with malachite — representing one of the most extravagant uses of a pigment mineral in architectural history. Malachite is the national stone of Russia. In ancient Egypt it was placed in tombs to protect the deceased. The "eye" patterns in malachite stone were associated with divine protection.
Natural Sources
Malachite (Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂) — a copper carbonate mineral found in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits. Major sources: Democratic Republic of Congo (Katanga), Zambia, Russia (Ural Mountains), Australia. The mineral forms distinctive banded green patterns and has been used since ancient Egypt.
Making It Yourself
Genuine malachite pigment:
1. Obtain small malachite pieces (available as mineral specimens)
2. Grind carefully (wear mask — copper dust is harmful)
3. Wash with water to float off fines — different particle sizes produce different green intensities
4. Mix with linseed oil or egg tempera
Note: larger particles produce brighter, more vivid green; finer grinding produces more muted, transparent green.
DO NOT heat — produces toxic copper oxide fumes.
1. Obtain small malachite pieces (available as mineral specimens)
2. Grind carefully (wear mask — copper dust is harmful)
3. Wash with water to float off fines — different particle sizes produce different green intensities
4. Mix with linseed oil or egg tempera
Note: larger particles produce brighter, more vivid green; finer grinding produces more muted, transparent green.
DO NOT heat — produces toxic copper oxide fumes.
Art Movements
Ancient Egyptian Art
Renaissance (early)
Byzantine Art
Russian Icon Painting
Famous Works
Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings
used since 3000 BCE
Vermeer
Woman in Blue Reading a Letter (clothing)
Russian icon paintings
used extensively until replaced by synthetic greens
Available As
Natural Pigments — Malachite (genuine mineral)
Zecchi (Florence) — Malachite
Daniel Smith — Malachite Genuine (genuine mineral)
Note: extremely expensive as a paint; most "malachite" paints use synthetic equivalents
✦
Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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