What's the most efficient way to get Level X Gathering Materia?

[ThorneDynasty]

You can transmute combat materia to new materia, it is a tidious process but because you get an overabundance of them it might be worth giving it a try.
You need to use 5 different materias to have the bes chance to get crafting or gathering materias.

I somehow went all this time having completely forgotten about transmutation, and I wish someone had reminded me earlier - If you 'mute 5 distinct combat materias you get a crafting or gatherer one in exchange 75% of the time. It still might not be one of the ones you need exactly, but given how much combat materia, especially level IX, the game dumps on you with little end-game combat overmelding, it's very worthwhile to clean up your inventory that way once in a while.