what is ore

Ore is a natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals concentrated above background levels, typically containing metals, that can be mined, treated, and sold at a profit. The minerals of interest are generally oxides, sulfides, silicates, or native metals such as copper or gold. Ore bodies are formed by a variety of geological processes generally referred to as ore genesis, and can be classified based on their deposit type. The word "ore" is of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning lump of metal. Ore is extracted from the earth through mining and treated or refined, often via smelting, to extract the valuable metals or minerals. Some ores, depending on their composition, may pose threats to health or surrounding ecosystems. An ore deposit is an economically significant accumulation of minerals within a host rock. This is distinct from a mineral resource in that it is a mineral deposit occurring in high enough concentration to be economically viable.