CuCO₃, or copper(II) carbonate, is a chemical compound composed of copper, carbon, and oxygen. It typically appears as a blue-green solid and is often found in nature as the mineral malachite. This compound is used in various applications, including as a pigment in ceramics and as a precursor for producing copper metal. When heated, CuCO₃ decomposes to form copper(II) oxide (CuO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This reaction is important in metallurgy and materials science. Additionally, copper(II) carbonate can react with acids to produce copper salts and carbon dioxide gas, making it relevant in chemical synthesis and laboratory experiments.