Quote from LyraOfThornebrook >>

So my character is a druid. Im thinking I could go out and find some pretty unique stones then druid craft them into jewelry and sell it to my targets. Then later use locate object to follow them. Thoughts? 

 Airtags. I craft and gift unique tokens to my party members to keep track of them if we get separated. It came in handy when the rogue had the genius idea of slipping their engraved shark tooth into a thief's haul. The token itself is not magic thus doesn't trigger Detect Magic and we were able to track the stolen treasure back to the hideout.

Still feel that the spell is relatively weak for a second level spell slot.

We are trying to use Locate Object to find the deed to the ranch we liberated.  What is some specific wording I can say to Locate object? 

So when it says you can locate a specific object known to you does that 1,000 foot rule still apply or is that only for an object that you aren't familiar with. Because the way this is worded makes me think it's the latter.

Quote from Puddin89 >>

We are trying to use Locate Object to find the deed to the ranch we liberated.  What is some specific wording I can say to Locate object? 

If no one in the party has ever seen a deed before in your world, then I think I'd say, "I'm trying to locate a flat object on which [NAME OF RANCH] is written which also describes the plot of land on which [NAME OF RANCH] is situated." That might do the trick.

Quote from Barakos_The_Diviner >>

So when it says you can locate a specific object known to you does that 1,000 foot rule still apply or is that only for an object that you aren't familiar with. Because the way this is worded makes me think it's the latter.

I disagree with your interpretation because I think the first two sentences of the description apply to the object regardless of whether you've seen it before while the next sentences further clarify under what conditions the casting is successful. Because the 1,000 foot range is only mentioned in the first two sentences, I consider it to be part of any casting of the spell.

So here's a fun rulings question: What is an object? We know that it can't be a living creature or plant, since they are covered by other spells. Of course the good old "is a corpse an object" debacle is also up for debate, but here's really the crux of my question: Does the target object have to be a crafted item, or is it possible to search for say, gold ore?

If so, this would have vast implications for world building, as diviners able to cast 2nd level spells would be invaluable in finding all sorts of rare metals and gems. Quite a few would probably set up mining operations of their own and become incredibly wealthy.

Notably the spell doesn't seem to be hindered by most materials, only lead, so the spell should be able to locate ore or gems of any kind up to a mile directly below the caster.

Quote from Kelscar7 >>

Expertly used by Jester

 haha same reason i looked up this spell

Quote from user-101378310 >>

So here's a fun rulings question: What is an object? We know that it can't be a living creature or plant, since they are covered by other spells. Of course the good old "is a corpse an object" debacle is also up for debate, but here's really the crux of my question: Does the target object have to be a crafted item, or is it possible to search for say, gold ore?

If so, this would have vast implications for world building, as diviners able to cast 2nd level spells would be invaluable in finding all sorts of rare metals and gems. Quite a few would probably set up mining operations of their own and become incredibly wealthy.

Notably the spell doesn't seem to be hindered by most materials, only lead, so the spell should be able to locate ore or gems of any kind up to a mile directly below the caster.

 Well firstly, its 1000 feet, not a mile, so you're off by about 4000 feet. Beyond that, it would really only work for the FIRST bit of ore you find, since that would always be the one nearest you. At that point, how much more effective it is than non-magical methods is up for debate. 

That said, considering the material component is essentially a dousing rod, I'd say they probably had this exact situation in mind when making the spell.

Why is this not an Artificer spell? How many Artificers have misplaced their tools or their gear or have to salvage their constructs and don't know where the giant chucked it?

Could I cast this spell on my Enemies Weapon, while in magical darkness, to avoid advantage/disadvantage on attack rolls because I know the location of his weapon?

Quote from MachSeWeck >>

Could I cast this spell on my Enemies Weapon, while in magical darkness, to avoid advantage/disadvantage on attack rolls because I know the location of his weapon?

 Nope the disadvantage comes from not seeing. Knowing the location doesn't change this

This is a level 1 spell and the wording would be known easily.

SO what is stopping someone from saying "I Cast Locate Object on Lead." and find some hidden treasures?

This is how I find all my Ball Bearings (1000) and Caltrops (20) after an encounter. I have given each one its own name, so they qualify as unique objects. ;-)

correct

Quote from Lucies__ >>

So my dm said I was robbed keep mind I'm a lvl 11 sor/3 wiz divination specialty since I missed two sessions I agreed to his bs reasoning that my character got drunk even though my back round clearly says he doesn't drink unless I make the water or our Pali or druid provide me with a goodberry/water he put me 4 days behind my party we are playing the strahd campaign so from previous interactions I trust no npc unless zone of truth so basically should I go to the original town I was robbed and ask around or send a message to their mayor or chief that if my stuff isn't found I will burn the town and surrounding forest to the ground 

 Did they steal your stapler, and if so did you tell them you'll burn this town down? That's the vibe I'm getting reading this. Also I'm guessing you posted this because you're considering using Locate Object to find your Swingline etc?

Is the lead a reference to Superman?

No but the logic is the same as Superman's, so it's linear thinking. Lead is very dense and has a lot of electrons, making it a good conductor. X rays, gamma rays, even radio waves are blocked by lead.

Worth noting that gold ore is essentially just gold spready through another material, as opposed to Iron ore of which there are multiple varieties (most common being hematite but Iron pyrite is also common), that are smelted through similar processes.

Of course there is also the question of what level of detail your DM wants to use...