Hard commodities are natural resources that are mined or extracted. They include materials like metals, minerals, and energy sources such as gold, silver, copper, and crude oil. These commodities are typically used in manufacturing, construction, and energy production. Investors often trade hard commodities on exchanges, and their prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand, geopolitical events, and economic conditions. Unlike soft commodities, which are agricultural products like wheat and coffee, hard commodities are generally more stable in terms of production and availability.