What is the term for a naturally occurring concentration of mineral deposits that can be economically extracted?

The term that refers to a naturally occurring concentration of mineral deposits that can be economically extracted is "ore." Ores contain valuable minerals or metals that can be mined and processed for profit. The concentration of these minerals is significant enough to make extraction feasible and worthwhile when proportional costs of mining and processing are taken into account.

In contrast, while rock can contain minerals and structures, it does not imply economic viability for extraction. Gemstones, although they are precious minerals, are typically valued for their unique appearance and rarity rather than bulk extraction for industrial purposes. An element refers to a pure substance made of only one type of atom, which may or may not be associated with economic extraction, but does not denote a concentration of minerals in the way ores do.