Raw Materials - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Raw materials are natural substances that are used as the starting point for making products. They are usually unprocessed and found in nature.

Examples include:

• Iron ore (used to make iron and steel)

• Crude oil (used to make plastics and fuels)

• Sand (used to make glass)

In GCSE Chemistry, raw materials are important because they are turned into useful products through chemical reactions or industrial processes. Understanding where materials come from helps explain how we use Earth’s resources and the importance of using them sustainably.