Obsidian is one of the most useful and versatile blocks in Minecraft. It has very high blast resistance, making it extremely resilient to explosions. Obsidian also has a very high mining hardness, requiring at least a diamond pickaxe to harvest.
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Finding Natural Obsidian
Obsidian occurs naturally in Minecraft worlds near lava flows. Check caves, ravines, abandoned mineshafts, and the Nether to find natural obsidian deposits. When water flows over a lava source block, the lava is converted into obsidian. So look for places where water and lava intersect.
Creating Obsidian with Buckets
You can create obsidian yourself by carefully pouring water over lava using buckets:
- Craft iron buckets at a crafting table using 3 iron ingots each
- Venture into the Nether or caves to collect lava in buckets
- Return to the surface and pour the lava into holes dug in the ground
- Pour water from additional buckets over the lava source blocks
- The lava will convert into obsidian blocks that you can then mine
Be very careful when handling lava buckets to avoid burning yourself or igniting flammable blocks nearby.
Mining Obsidian
Obsidian has a very high mining hardness, requiring at least a diamond pickaxe to successfully harvest. Using an enchanted diamond or netherite pickaxe with Efficiency will greatly speed up the mining process. Each obsidian block takes about 15 seconds to mine with an unenchanted diamond pickaxe.
When mining natural obsidian, be wary of hidden lava blocks surrounding the obsidian. Have water buckets available to convert lava back into obsidian if it is exposed while mining.
Obsidian Generators
For unlimited obsidian, you can build an obsidian generator machine. Popular designs flow water over lava in controlled ways to produce obsidian blocks that are immediately mined and collected.
Basic generators require redstone components like pistons and hoppers to automatically handle lava, water, and obsidian flows. More advanced designs fully automate the mining and collection process using TNT blasts or withers.
Uses for Obsidian
Here are some of the main uses for obsidian in Minecraft:
Nether Portals
The most common use for obsidian is building nether portals. Arrange 12-14 obsidian blocks in a rectangular frame, then ignite the interior with flint and steel or a fire charge to open the portal. Two block tall openings are standard, but you can make larger portals if desired.
Enchanting Tables
Craft an enchanting table using 4 obsidian blocks, 2 diamonds, and 1 book. You can then enchant items like weapons, tools, and armor to add special bonuses and abilities.
Ender Chests
Ender chests act like extra inventory space accessible from anywhere in the world. Craft them using 8 obsidian blocks and 1 eye of ender. Store valuables like enchanted gear, rare blocks, and surplus resources.
Beacons
Beacons provide status effect bonuses like Strength, Regeneration, Haste, and more to nearby players. Craft one using 3 obsidian blocks, 5 glass blocks, and 1 nether star. Pyramids extending below the beacon made from mineral blocks increase the level of effects.
Blast Protection
Due to its extremely high blast resistance, obsidian is nearly immune to destruction from TNT, creeper, ghast, and other explosions. Use obsidian to reinforce key structures like command centers, vaults, mob farms, and portals against attack.
Decorative Building
While very dark and imposing, obsidian produces a beautiful contrast to lighter blocks in builds and art pieces. Try integrating obsidian accents into monument walls and towers, fantasy castle gatehouses, volcanic scenes, and more.
With this knowledge of where to find and how to make obsidian, you’ll have an ample supply in your Minecraft worlds for crafting mystical portals to other dimensions, harnessing magical enchantments, building formidable defenses, and bringing creative designs to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a lot of obsidian quickly?
Construct an obsidian generator machine to produce obsidian blocks automatically. Redstone component designs flow lava and water over designated areas to rapidly generate obsidian for immediate harvesting.
What pickaxe can mine obsidian?
Obsidian has a mining hardness of 50, requiring at least a diamond or netherite pickaxe to successfully mine it. Using an Efficiency enchanted pickaxe greatly speeds up the process. Each obsidian block takes about 15 seconds to mine with an unenchanted diamond pickaxe.
Is obsidian rare in Minecraft?
Obsidian is relatively rare in the overworld but more common in the Nether. Finding natural obsidian deposits requires exploring deep caves and ravines where flowing water intersects lava flows. You can also barter with piglins to obtain obsidian. Crafting or generating your own obsidian is needed for any large projects.
How do you turn lava into obsidian?
Position any non-flammable block like cobblestone around lava, with air blocks where you want the obsidian to form. Pour water from buckets over these lava source blocks to convert them to obsidian. Then quickly mine the obsidian using a diamond or netherite pickaxe before the obsidian gets destroyed by remaining lava.
Can TNT destroy obsidian?
No, obsidian cannot be destroyed by TNT explosions. Obsidian has a blast resistance of 6,000, the highest of any block in Minecraft. This makes obsidian extremely resilient against all explosive damage sources. Use obsidian to reinforce structures against creeper attacks or wartime sieges.
