Spell material components are specific, sometimes odd, items that are unique to casting magic. Sometimes these can be very specific objects, and therefore they are classificed as spell material components, listed here.
The rules for casting spells with material components (often overlooked in TTRPGs), are functional as long as the player possesses them on their body. Typically spell casters can have them attached as an On Hand item, or in their spell component pouch, or another container.
Before the spell is cast, the system checks to see if the material component is in possession of the creature, if so, the spell is cast as intended. If not, the creature is notified they cannot cast the spell (no action points are lost).
If the spell requires the spell material component to be consumed, then the item is removed from the character's inventory after the spell is cast (and before the spell's effect takes place).