unworked

Unworked is an adjective used to describe material, sites, or resources that have not been worked upon by humans. It can mean that something is in its natural or unexplored state, not yet processed, mined, shaped, or developed. The term is common in fields such as geology, archaeology, land use, and manufacturing.

Etymology and usage notes: Unworked is formed from the prefix un- plus worked, signaling the absence of prior processing or alteration. In many contexts, it is contrasted with worked, processed, or mined to indicate a stage of readiness or development that has not yet been reached.

Geology and mining contexts: An unworked ore body or unworked seam has not yet been extracted, milled, or refined. Resources described as unworked remain in situ; surveys or exploration may identify them, but no mining activity has commenced.

Archaeology and material science: An unworked artifact is one that has not been modified by human workmanship, as opposed to worked artifacts such as blades or flakes. Unworked flint or stone indicates raw material in its natural form before knapping or shaping.

Land use and environment: Unworked land refers to terrain not cultivated, developed, or otherwise altered by human activity. It may be subject to conservation, wilderness designation, or natural resource assessment and planning.

In everyday usage, unworked can describe any item or site that has not undergone the relevant processing stage, such as unworked metal, unworked timber, or unworked ore. See also related terms like unmined, untouched, and pristine.