Cu2OH2CO3

Cu2OH2CO3, also known as copper(II) hydroxide carbonate or malachite, is a mineral and a chemical compound. It is a green crystalline solid that occurs naturally as the mineral malachite. Chemically, it is a basic copper carbonate with the formula Cu2(OH)2CO3. This compound is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.

Malachite forms in the zone of oxidation of copper deposits. It is often found associated with other copper minerals such as azurite, chrysocolla, and native copper. Its distinctive green color is due to the presence of copper ions. The vibrant color and attractive banded patterns of malachite have made it a popular gemstone and ornamental material for centuries. It is mined in various locations worldwide, including Russia, Zambia, Mexico, and the United States.

In addition to its use in jewelry and decorative objects, malachite has also found applications in pigment production. Historically, it was ground into a powder and used as a green pigment in paints and cosmetics. Modern uses include its application as a mineral supplement in animal feed and as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions. The compound can also be synthesized in laboratories through precipitation reactions involving copper salts and carbonate sources under alkaline conditions.