Stone

Stone is the most basic mining item you can possibly get. You can mine it with any pickaxe. This block can also be used as a building material. When mined you gain 1 cobblestone but, if you want stone, you must smelt cobblestone. Stone can be blown up by creepers and tnt so try to avoid explosives. Griefers cannot use one of their choice of selection, flint & steel, because in real-life stone cannot be burned. To let your minds properly think about stone, i will let you watch a video on the side. (Note that the video will not be out until single player commands 1.2.4 comes out)

Cobblestone related

 * Using cobblestone, you can make a stone pickaxe and a furnace etc.
 * Cobblestone can be blown up like stone. Can also be like a building material.
 * Stone is found underground. Mine stone in order to get cobblestone.
 * 98% of people find that finding stone is the first mining material they get.