How and why does the colour of copper carbonate change when it is heated?

JaneofGaunt

Some carbonates change colour during thermal decomposition, which means the compound breaks down into other substances when heated. copper carbonate [CuCO3(s)] plus heat gives copper oxide [CuO(s)] + carbon dioxide [ CO2(g)] Copper carbonate is green and becomes copper oxide which is black. http://www.gcsescience.com/f19.htm Jan 29 07, 10:12 PM

Baloo55th

Another possible cause is the loss of water. Copper carbonate is usually found in hydrated form (various different hydrations, giving different shades of colour). As with copper sulphate, the colour will change when this water is driven off. Further heating will lead to the decomposition of the substance, as Jane says. Jan 30 07, 11:12 AM

ranjit1960

why does the copper carbonate change colour when heated? mmmm.... anybody will change colour when really heated up. Feb 01 07, 5:26 PM