Malachite (Genuine Historical Pigment) or Green Verditer / Green Bice
PG39 Natural
Alternate Names
Chrysocolla
Mountain Green
Pigment Description
A sea green worthy of a fairytale, genuine malachite is rather difficult to find. 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. The technical term is Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, but it is more commonly known as Genuine Malachite.
Malachite Oil Paint by Gazo
Malachite is sometimes it is sold in grades depending on the fineness of the grind (for example, fine, medium and coarse). It may not be best in oils as there is the chance for discoloration. However it is so beautiful it is hard to resist. However if one wishes to preserve the hue, it may be more advantageous to mix the spot color from other pigments which would be less reactive.
An enchanting green with a velvety gritty texture. Gazo's Malachite oil paint
Malachite 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. We were able to find some made by a Master Pigments/Gazo.
Impasto quality to Malachite oil paint by Gazo
The color of malachite is fairly straightforward to mix as far as reaching an approximation in masstone. When working with natural malachite, the degree of grinding matters, as finer grinds will become lighter and less chromatic. Malachite is listed as toxicity B, meaning it does have toxicity, so handle with the appropriate precautions.
Malachite oil paint by Gazo
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
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