diff --git a/montepy/data_inputs/material.py b/montepy/data_inputs/material.py
index d78ea9b4..ff496329 100644
--- a/montepy/data_inputs/material.py
+++ b/montepy/data_inputs/material.py
@@ -1215,7 +1215,7 @@ def get_material_elements(self):
         return elements
 
     def validate(self):
-        if len(self._components) == 0:
+        if len(self._components) == 0 and self.number != 0:
             raise IllegalState(
                 f"Material: {self.number} does not have any components defined."
             )