An "ore deposit" is a concentration of mineral resources that can be economically extracted from a particular location. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe this phenomenon, including mineral deposit, mineral vein, ore body, and mineral resource. These terms all refer to the same basic concept, which is a natural occurrence of valuable minerals that can be mined for commercial gain. Ores are often categorized according to their chemical composition and physical properties, such as their hardness, density, and color. Understanding these factors is important when assessing the potential value of an ore deposit and determining the most effective methods for extracting its resources.