A green crystallite stone composed of copper carbonate hydroxide Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂. It forms banded stalactites where there is water. Similar to azurite, malachite often occurs together with the blue crystal. Ground to a fine powder, malachite is a prized pigment. Different degrees of pulverization produce various shades of green. The pigment was used to decorate offering boxes and other items in the Shōsō-in. The Continuation of Chronicles of Japan (Shoku nihongi) documents the donation of both malachite and azurite. The term can also apply to the green corrosion that forms on copper objects, though it differs from crystalline malachite. See also Kujakuishi.