Mining and Other Issues

[DarkElfMaster]

I'm sorry to bring up something that I imagine has been rehashed about fifty times but I need a little help understanding this game. I got a skill for mining but, unlike the other skills, I cannot drag it into me shortcut bar. Is it a passive mining skill? If so, do I need to buy a pick of some sort to even be able to mine minerals?

Another question that's been bothering me is the screen that comes up when you attempt to buy new alchemy 'recipes'. I'm not sure how this works and would be very grateful if someone could help clarify it for me.

Thanks again!

[Gravvi]

All you need is the mining skill and a pick in your inventory, then approach an ore as if you were attacking it.

For the alchemy skills you have to select 2 of the skills there to do. There are potions,stones,scrolls,decomposition,composition. Once you select two you are stuck with them. Then at a skill master you buy the scrolls available for your alchemy expertise

[Gavener]

Ruby sells Mineing skill
Pey sells Pick axe
Pick to skills from potions,stones,scrolls,decomposition,composition
IMO Potions ( hp/sp, regen hp/sp, antidote, etc.)
IMO Scrolls ( +Aim*power*, +def *m.def*, evasion,magic reist, tons more)
IMO Stones ( Elure, Xir, Lix From refinding weapons and armor sell well )
Decomposition ( Seems crappy to me )
Composition ( Seems crappy to me )

[GeldrinHor]

Well let's see.
Right now I have 4 characters (one of each)
One has Mining (and an pick) but in the mines you have to be careful of the Phinoflies.
The RookieSkeletons aren't bad. So far I have managed to get LOTS of Copper, combined qualities...and even a Topaz. His Production skills (sort of bad choices) are Material Composition and Potions. The MC is sort of handy, as I can upgrade needed items (when I get the scrolls/recipes) for better ingredients. But, ya don't really make any money around Roumen....it's a real tough living.
I have two characters right now with Stone Making skill...for Elrues.
One has done quite well (lvl 9 Cleric) and has a few stacks of Elrues stashed away and has successfully enhanced her Long Mace (+1) and Round Shield (+1).
The drawback is...Elrues only stack 10 each, where all other ingredients I have gathered so far stack 50. She DID manage to sell several Elrues as well, mainly cuz I underpriced em to test the market. (I got 35c each....dang vendors don't offer crud for em (I think 13c each), but yet they sell from Pey for 2s7c....how ridiculous)
I also have Scroll Making skill and have managed to make some decent Power (Aim) Tier 1's.
What is best Skill combo?