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Malachite (Genuine Historical Pigment) or Green Verditer / Green Bice

PG39 Malachite Natural Mineral

Alternate Names

Chrysocolla

Mountain Green

Pigment Description

Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, otherwise known as Genuine Malachite. Malachite varies in color according to the natural source but also according to how finely that source has been ground, so there is a great deal of variety. Sometimes it is sold in grades depending on the fineness of the grind (for example, fine, medium and coarse).

Is a historical pigment which can be a little bit difficult to find as an oil paint. Natural pigments at one time sold malachite in oils. It is fairly straightforward to mix an approximation in masstone. The degree of grinding matters with malachite as finer grinds will become lighter and less chromatic. Listed as toxicity B, meaning it does have toxicity.

Resources

PG39 Malachite Natural Mineral pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, [Artiscreation.com](https://artiscreation.com/green.html#PG39 Malachite Natural Mineral)

Information about PG39 Malachite Natural Mineral from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors, General information about this class of pigments from Handprint,

Sattar, Simeen (2023, September 19). Choosing a Malachite Synthesis https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00667. Journal of Chemical Education, Vol 100, Issue 10

Master Pigments (Accessed June 2025). [Malachite pigments](https://www.masterpigments.com/malachite-pigmentshttps://www.masterpigments.com/malachite-pigments. Master Pigments

Stats

Lightfastness

Variable, reactive

Some sources consider it ASTM I, excellent. However, other sources mention that it fades slightly in strong light. It also yellows in oil, and sometimes turns brown. While not related to lightfastness exactly, it is reactive to sulphur in the air as well as sulfurous pigments

Transparency

Varies, Semi-Transparent, Transparent

Toxicity

Hazard, Use more caution

We have read that chronic exposure is a hazard and would treat as though toxic. We are not toxicologists though, so please seek the advice of the relevant experts. Rated as "B" by Artiscreation, meaning "Hazard if carelessly handled, ingested in large amounts or over long periods of time," however he has some helpful comments about keeping it on the painting and nowhere else. In the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety Monona Rossol has information on working with pigments containing containing Copper. Her most recently updated work can be found via her site. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.

Tinting

Low

Dry Time

Fast

Particle Size

Coarse, but varies according to grades

Chemical Name

Natural Basic copper(II) carbonate

Dry Pigments listing PG39 Malachite Natural Mineral

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