Zinc ore is a mineral-bearing rock mined for the zinc contained within it, commonly occurring as sphalerite with yellow-brown to dark crystalline coloration. Useful deposits are less widespread than those of several other common metals, making productive mines commercially significant. After extraction and sorting, the ore is normally transported to smelters for processing rather than entering long-distance trade in its raw form.
Zinc ore is supplied to smelters and metalworks for processing into refined zinc stock. The resulting metal is used for specialized metalwork and, most importantly, combined with copper to produce brass for decorative goods, fittings, instruments, hardware, and other manufactured products.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | Raw Ores & Minerals | Uncommon | 0 | 0.027 gp per lb. | 0.035 gp per lb. | 0.075 gp per lb. | 0.10 gp per lb. | 1 lb. (pricing unit) |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Trade Good
Production Method: Mining
Production Facility: Mine
Zinc ore is less widely distributed than iron, lead, or copper and tends to occur in localized deposits capable of supporting specialized mining operations. Productive mines are valuable because zinc is essential to brassmaking and several specialized crafts. Most zinc-producing districts refine their ore near the source before sending processed metal into wider trade networks.
Export Locations: Gnoll Peaks
Premium Markets:
Exotic Markets:
Exotic Market Notes
Zinc ore is seldom transported to distant markets. Productive deposits are comparatively uncommon, but the ore remains too bulky for long-distance trade to be attractive under ordinary conditions. Mining districts generally refine zinc near the source, with zinc stock becoming the principal commodity traded between regions.
Common Buyers: Smelters, metalworks, foundries, mining companies
Common Producers: Mining companies, dwarven miners, independent prospectors, chartered mining concerns
Profit Potential: Low
Zinc ore requires little specialized storage and can be kept in covered piles, bins, sacks, carts, or ore yards. Shipments are normally kept reasonably dry to reduce unnecessary transport weight and simplify sorting and processing.
Transport Risks: Moderate
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Moderate
Zinc ore is a relatively scarce industrial commodity whose greatest value lies in feeding regional smelting operations. Deposits near dangerous or poorly secured territories can make extraction and short-haul transport costly even when the ore itself is not especially valuable. Once refined, zinc becomes considerably more useful to long-distance merchants because of its importance in brass production and specialized metalworking.
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
0 - Open |
This item may be freely bought, sold, transported, and stored without special permits or registration. Open Trade goods form the foundation of everyday commerce and are rarely subject to inspection beyond normal taxation. |
1 - Registered |
This item is legal to trade but may be subject to routine taxation, record-keeping, or inspection when transported in commercial quantities. Merchants conducting regular business in these goods are often expected to maintain a recognized trade registration. |
2 - Controlled |
This item is considered hazardous, specialized, or otherwise regulated. Merchants may be required to obtain a trade license, maintain records of sale, or submit shipments for inspection. Bulk transport is often monitored by guilds, city authorities, or trade officials. |
3 - Restricted |
This item possesses significant economic, strategic, or industrial value. Trade is limited to approved merchants, guild members, chartered companies, or licensed organizations. Unauthorized possession or transport may result in confiscation, fines, or suspension of trade privileges. |
4 - Chartered |
This item is subject to monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, state control, or powerful guild charters. Production, transport, and sale are closely regulated. Access is typically restricted to organizations operating under special contracts, noble grants, or government authorization. |
5 - Prohibited |
This item is illegal to produce, possess, transport, or sell within most jurisdictions. Exceptions are rare and generally require direct authorization from ruling authorities. Violations often carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, asset seizure, exile, or execution. |