Revision 12

Overview

Minerals are a category of gatherables in Crimson Desert obtained by mining ore deposits with a pickaxe or purchased from vendors. They are used to craft and refine equipment at smithies found throughout towns across Pywel. Minerals range from common stone used in basic construction to rare diamonds prized as symbols of nobility.

Mining is one of the core life skills within the broader gathering system, and mineral deposits appear at fixed locations on the map, primarily on cliff faces, quarries, cave walls, and exposed rock formations. Nine distinct mineral types are catalogued across the continent, split into three tiers: Stones, Ores, and Rare Minerals.

Stones

Stones are the most common mineral type and are used for basic construction, defensive structures, and decorative purposes. They can be collected without specialized mining equipment in most cases, making them accessible to new players from the start.

Icon	Image	Item	Description	Location	Use
		Stone	Rough gray surface; sturdy and resistant to weathering. The most basic construction material in the game, found in large quantities near riverbanks and desert flats.	Near bodies of water, desert areas	Basic construction, simple defensive structures, crafting
		Fine Stone	High density and few cracks; smooth surface that takes well to carving. Required for decorative buildings and statues at Greymane Camp and other settlement upgrades.	Near bodies of water, rock formations	Decorations, buildings, statues, camp upgrades

Ores

Ores are extracted from exposed veins on cliff faces and inside quarries. They are refined at a blacksmith and used in weapon and armor crafting. Some ores, like Bloodstone, have toxic properties that require protective equipment during mining. Five ore types exist, ranging from the common Iron Ore to the exotic Epidote.

Icon	Image	Item	Description	Location	Use
		Iron Ore	Silvery-gray metal ore; tough yet easy to process. The most versatile mineral in the game, required for weapons, nails, and basic components. Found at exposed cliff seams and quarries across most regions.	Exposed cliff seams, quarries	Weapons, nails, basic components
		Copper Ore	Metal ore with excellent ductility and malleability; conducts heat and electricity. Used in machinery, tableware, and jewelry. Deposits appear as greenish-tinged veins on exposed rock surfaces.	Exposed veins on rocks	Machinery, tableware, jewelry
		Bloodstone	Reddish ore with toxic properties. Contains mercury, and mining it releases poisonous gases that damage health without protective equipment. Despite the danger, Bloodstone is a critical refinement material for advanced gear.	Remote areas, Pailune, desert regions	Refinement material for advanced equipment
		Azurite	Bluish ore with a sea-like hue, beloved by nobles for its ability to bind body and mind. Relatively rare, with veins scattered throughout the desert interior. Used in both functional crafting and ornamental pieces.	Scattered desert veins	Crafting, ornamental
		Epidote	Greenish ore believed to clear the eyes; used as an ornamental stone. Deposits are notoriously difficult to access, often located on steep mountain walls in Pailune, Delesyia, and the Crimson Desert borderlands.	Pailune mountains, Delesyia, Crimson Desert borderlands	Ornamental stone, specialized crafting

Rare Minerals

Rare minerals are the hardest to obtain and most valuable resources in the mineral category. They appear in specific, often dangerous locations and are used for luxury items, gifts, and high-end crafting.

Icon	Image	Item	Description	Location	Use
		Diamond	The mineral with the highest level of hardness and a symbol of nobility. Diamonds are rarely produced and found only in the rocky regions of Varnia and old mountainous areas. Their extreme rarity makes them prized as gifts and luxury crafting materials.	Varnia rocky regions, old mountainous areas	Gifts, luxury crafting
		Stalactite	Natural stone formed over countless years from limestone drips; each piece has a unique shape and texture. Found exclusively in deep caves that have aged over long periods. Used for decoration and special crafting recipes that require unusual materials.	Deep limestone caves	Decoration, special crafting material

Mining

Mining requires a pickaxe, which can be purchased from provisioner shops or found in the world. Ore deposits appear as glowing veins embedded in cliff faces, cave walls, and quarry walls. Walk up to a vein and interact with it to begin the mining animation. Unlike combat weapons, pickaxes have limited durability and will break after extended use, so carrying a spare is recommended on long exploration trips.

Different ores are concentrated in different regions of Pywel:

• Iron Ore and Copper Ore are the most common and appear across most regions. They are the first ores new players will encounter.

• Bloodstone is found in remote and dangerous locations, including Pailune and the desert interior. Mining it releases poisonous gases, so protective equipment is recommended.

• Azurite veins are scattered throughout the desert and are relatively rare. Their blue coloring makes them stand out against sand-colored rock.

• Epidote deposits occur in the mountains of Pailune and parts of Delesyia. These nodes are described as difficult to access, often requiring climbing or exploration off the beaten path.

• Diamond is the rarest mineral and is found only in specific rocky regions of Varnia and old mountain areas.

• Stalactites are exclusively found in deep, aged limestone caves.

Regional Mining Guide

Each region of Pywel features different mineral distributions. Planning mining routes by region helps players target the ores they need.

Refinement

Raw ores must be refined at a blacksmith before they can be used in crafting. The refinement process converts raw ore into usable metals and components. The quality and quantity of refined output depend on the ore type.

Stones and Fine Stone do not require refinement. They can be used directly in construction and decorative projects at camp or settlement sites.

Connection to Alchemy

While minerals are primarily associated with crafting and construction, certain refined mineral products also appear as ingredients in advanced alchemy recipes. Mercury compounds derived from Bloodstone, for example, can be used in potent alchemical mixtures. Players interested in both crafting and alchemy should keep a supply of diverse ores to cover both systems.

Tips

• Always carry a pickaxe when exploring mountainous or rocky terrain. Ore veins appear at fixed locations, so memorizing their positions along your regular routes lets you mine efficiently.

• Iron Ore is the most versatile mineral. Stock up early, as it is used in weapon refinement, nails, and basic components for nearly every crafting recipe.

• Bloodstone mining releases toxic gases. Bring protective equipment or consume a detoxification potion before starting.

• Diamond is extremely rare and serves primarily as a gift or luxury crafting item rather than a combat material. Do not waste them on common recipes.

• Fine Stone is more useful than regular Stone for camp upgrades, as it is required for decorative and structural buildings at Greymane Camp.

• Pickaxes have limited durability. Carry a spare when heading into mineral-rich areas like Pailune or the desert interior to avoid getting stranded without a tool.

• Azurite veins have a distinctive blue tint that makes them easier to spot against desert rock. If you see blue-tinged stone, it is worth investigating.

• Stalactites are only found in deep caves. Explore cave systems thoroughly; their unique shapes make them stand out once you know what to look for.