Mastering Prospecting in World of Warcraft: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning prospecting in World of Warcraft (WoW) is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to have the Jewelcrafting skill and be at least level 5 or higher in the game. Your Jewelcrafting skill must also be at level 20 or higher. Once you meet these prerequisites, you can visit any Jewelcrafting trainer in a major city. Simply talk to the trainer, and you’ll find the Prospecting ability available to learn. It will appear in your general tab in the spellbook after you have learned it. To use it, open your spellbook, click the Prospecting skill, and then select a stack of five or more of the appropriate ore in your inventory. Click the button to execute and you’ll attempt to prospect the ore, potentially yielding valuable gems. The success and types of gems you obtain depend on your Jewelcrafting skill and the type of ore you are prospecting.

Delving Deeper into Prospecting: Frequently Asked Questions

Prospecting can be a vital skill for Jewelcrafters. This frequently asked questions section is a great tool for learning more.

How does Jewelcrafting level affect Prospecting?

Your Jewelcrafting level significantly impacts your prospecting success. While you only need a skill of 20 to learn the ability, a higher skill level increases your chance of successfully prospecting ore and potentially yielding better gems. It is necessary to increase Jewelcrafting skill to get to higher tiers of ore.

What types of ore can be prospected?

The types of ore you can prospect depend on the expansion of WoW you’re playing. Generally, you can prospect most common ores obtained through mining, such as:

• Copper Ore
• Tin Ore
• Iron Ore
• Gold Ore
• Mithril Ore
• Thorium Ore
• Fel Iron Ore
• Adamantite Ore
• Saronite Ore
• Titanium Ore

Each type of ore yields different gems, depending on the expansion and ore type.

How many gems do you get from prospecting?

Prospecting typically consumes five ore of the same type per attempt. The number of gems you receive can vary, but the most common result is one gem per prospecting attempt. However, it is possible to get two or even three gems from a single prospecting attempt, depending on the ore and your Jewelcrafting skill.

Can I prospect any stack size?

No, you need a stack of at least five ore of the same type to initiate prospecting. The game consumes five ore per attempt.

Is it worth prospecting low-level ore at higher levels?

Generally, no. Prospecting lower-level ore at higher levels is not usually worth it. The gems you obtain from low-level ore are often less valuable and can be easily purchased from the auction house or obtained through other means. It’s more efficient to focus on prospecting higher-level ore to obtain more valuable gems needed for advanced Jewelcrafting recipes.

What is the best profession to pair with Jewelcrafting?

The best profession to pair with Jewelcrafting is undoubtedly Mining. Since prospecting involves breaking down ore into gems, having Mining allows you to gather the ore yourself, saving you money and ensuring a steady supply of materials. It’s a self-sufficient combination. This makes leveling up and money earning easier.

Where do I find Jewelcrafting trainers?

Jewelcrafting trainers are typically located in major cities within the game. Look for trainers in cities such as:

• Stormwind (for Alliance players)
• Orgrimmar (for Horde players)
• Ironforge (for Alliance players)
• Thunder Bluff (for Horde players)
• Shattrath City (Outland)
• Dalaran (Northrend)

Guards in these cities can direct you to the nearest Jewelcrafting trainer.

What are the chances of prospecting Saronite Ore?

Prospecting Saronite Ore (found in Wrath of the Lich King) typically gives you a chance of getting:

• One or two random green gems
• A chance of getting one random blue gem

The chances are approximately:

• 108% chance of getting a random green gem (92% chance of getting 1, 8% chance of getting 2)
• Varying chance of getting a blue gem, depending on server and current gem popularity

Is prospecting Adamantite Ore worth it?

Prospecting Adamantite Ore (found in Burning Crusade) can be worthwhile, as it yields similar gems to Fel Iron Ore, but with a higher chance of obtaining blue gems (approximately 20%). Additionally, Adamantite Powder, a byproduct of prospecting Adamantite, is used in crafting Hardened Adamantite, making it a valuable resource.

Can I prospect ore while leveling Jewelcrafting?

Yes, prospecting is an excellent way to level up your Jewelcrafting skill. By prospecting ore, you obtain gems that can be used in various Jewelcrafting recipes, allowing you to increase your skill level and create valuable items.

Does race affect Jewelcrafting and Prospecting?

No, your character’s race does not directly affect your Jewelcrafting or Prospecting abilities. However, some races have passive skills that can affect Mining, which is closely tied to prospecting. For example, Dwarves have the passive ability Find Treasure, which can help them locate ore nodes more easily.

What do I do with the gems I get from prospecting?

The gems you obtain from prospecting can be used for several purposes:

• Crafting: Use them in Jewelcrafting recipes to create rings, necklaces, trinkets, and other items.
• Selling: Sell them on the auction house to other players for profit.
• Gems: Use them to fill gem slots in your equipment, boosting your character’s stats.
• Trading: Trade them with other players for goods or services.

How do I know which ore is worth prospecting?

Determining which ore is worth prospecting depends on several factors:

• Gem Prices: Check the auction house to see the current prices of gems obtained from different ores. Prospecting ore that yields valuable gems is generally more profitable.
• Recipe Requirements: Consider the gems needed for specific Jewelcrafting recipes you want to craft. Prospecting the corresponding ore ensures you have the necessary materials.
• Ore Prices: Compare the cost of ore to the potential value of the gems you’ll obtain. If the ore is too expensive, prospecting it may not be profitable.

What if my Prospecting fails?

Prospecting can sometimes fail if your Jewelcrafting skill is too low for the type of ore you are prospecting. If it fails, you won’t receive any gems, and the ore will be consumed. To improve your chances of success, level up your Jewelcrafting skill and consider using gear or enchants that boost your skill.

Are there any addons to help with Prospecting?

Yes, several addons can assist with Prospecting. These addons can track gem prices, automate the prospecting process, and provide information on the best ore to prospect for profit. Some popular addons include:

• Auctioneer
• TradeSkillMaster (TSM)
• GatherMate2

By using these addons, you can streamline the prospecting process and maximize your profits.

Understanding the intricacies of prospecting can greatly enhance your Jewelcrafting experience in World of Warcraft. By following the tips and information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to gather valuable gems, level up your skill, and make a profit in the game.