The substance made of things that were never alive is called inorganic matter.

Here's a breakdown:

* Inorganic matter refers to anything that is not derived from living organisms. This includes:

* Minerals: Rocks, metals, salts, etc.

* Water: A vital inorganic compound.

* Air: Primarily composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.

* Many manufactured materials: Plastics, concrete, glass, etc.

* Organic matter is derived from living organisms or their byproducts. This includes:

* Plants: Wood, leaves, fruits, etc.

* Animals: Meat, bones, fur, etc.

* Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, etc.

So, if something is not made from something that was once living, it's considered inorganic matter.