Mineral

A mineral is a precious stone item often usable as an ingredient for professions. Unlike cut gems, minerals must be crafted into another item to gain any sort of bonus. The majority of minerals are found via Mining or Prospecting. Most minerals also have a small world-drop rate from mobs, and can be found in chests and lockboxes. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade minerals can be mined off of some Outland mobs, in a similar fashion to skinning for leathers.