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[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]][[Image:Sea_material_2.jpg|right|frame]]

[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]][[Image:Sea_material_2.jpg|right|frame]]

'''Material''' is any [[physical]] substance used in production, costs, and pricing or manufacturing. Raw materials are first extracted or harvested from the [[earth]] and made into a form that can be easily transported and stored, then processed to produce "semi-finished materials". These can be input into a new cycle of production and finishing processes to create "finished materials", ready for distribution and [consumption|economics]].   

'''Material''' is any [[physical]] substance used in production, costs, and pricing or manufacturing. Raw materials are first extracted or harvested from the [[earth]] and made into a form that can be easily transported and stored, then processed to produce "semi-finished materials". These can be input into a new cycle of production and finishing processes to create "finished materials", ready for distribution and [[consumption|economics]].   

An example of a raw material is cotton, which can be processed into thread or used in the making of [[paper]]; further processing can yield garments or [[books]] respectively. Steelmaking is another example—raw materials are mined, refined and processed into steel, a semi-finished material. Steel is then used in many other industries to make finished products.

An example of a raw material is cotton, which can be processed into thread or used in the making of [[paper]]; further processing can yield garments or [[books]] respectively. Steelmaking is another example—raw materials are mined, refined and processed into steel, a semi-finished material. Steel is then used in many other industries to make finished products.