Malachite is a carbonate mineral, copper carbonate hydroxide.. Individual crystals are rare, but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur. Malachite often results from weathering of copper ores and is often found together with azurite, goethite, and calcite. Except for the vibrant green colour, the properties of malachite are very similar to those of azurite and aggregates of the two minerals together are frequently found, although malachite is more common than azurite. Typically associated with copper deposits associated with limestones, the source of the carbonate. The stone's name derives from Greek molochitis, "mallow-green stone. Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. In Israel, malachite is extensively mined at Timna, often called King Solomon's Mines. Archeological evidence indicates that the mineral has been mined and smelted at the site for over 3,000 years. Most of Timna's current production is also smelted, but the finest pieces are worked into silver jewelry.