Here's why:

* Economic Value: The key factor is whether the mineral contains a valuable component that can be extracted and sold at a profit. This value can be tied to precious metals like gold, industrial metals like iron, or even specific elements used in technology.

* Concentration: The concentration of the valuable component in the mineral must be high enough to justify the cost of mining and processing.

* Technology: The technology and infrastructure must be available to extract the valuable component efficiently and cost-effectively.

For example:

* Iron ore: Iron is a valuable metal used in steel production. Iron ore containing a high concentration of iron oxides is considered an ore.

* Bauxite: Bauxite is an ore that contains aluminum, which is used in various applications.

* Coal: Coal contains carbon, which is burned for energy. While coal is a mineral, it's considered a fuel rather than an ore because its primary value is energy rather than a specific element.

It's important to note: What is considered an ore can change over time due to technological advancements, economic conditions, and the discovery of new uses for minerals.