[2][3][4] Formed in arid climates or in rapidly oxidizing copper sulfide deposits, it was named by Armand Lévy for his fellow Frenchman, geologist and mineralogist A. J. M. Brochant de Villiers.

[4] Crystals of brochantite can range from emerald green to black-green to blue-green, and can be acicular or prismatic.

The mineral is found in a number of locations around the world, notably the southwestern United States (especially Arizona), Serifos in Greece and Chile.

Brochantite is a common corrosion product on bronze sculptures located in urban areas, where atmospheric sulfur dioxide (a common pollutant) is present.

Brochantite forms mainly in exposed areas where weathering prevents accumulation copper ions and enhancement in the acidity of water films.