It would be cool if you could use some sort of machine to refine certain things to get some of the harder to get materials. For example, beach sand is usually rich in silicon. Also, rocks are mostly made of silicon. Red sand is rich in iron. Maybe if you refine smooth stone, you can get 5 sand. 5sand makes 2 silicon. So 1 stone equals 2 silicon or 5 sand equals 2 silicon. That way it is still balanced and not too OP