difference between mana abilities and activated abilities magic

[magicstudent]

whats the difference between mana abilities and activated abilities in magic the gathering?

[Arix]

Activated abilities are ALWAYS written in the form "Cost: Effect". Look for the colon - that's the identifier of an activated abilities.

Mana abilities take two forms. Activated mana abilities are activated abilities that produce mana and don't target anything. Triggered mana abilities are triggered abilities that produce mana, don't target anything, and trigger off of another mana ability.