a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2 containing 57% copper. Named "molochitus" in antiquity after the Greek "malachÃ", "mallows," in allusion to the green colour of the leaves. Its color is bright green, with crystals showing deeper shades of green, even very dark to nearly black. Malachite is not only valued as a copper ore but also has a rich history as a pigment.