Minecraft Ore Mining Guide

How Ore Generation Works in Minecraft 1.26

Since the Caves & Cliffs update (1.18) through the current 1.26 release, Minecraft uses a fundamentally different ore generation system. The world extends from Y=-64 to Y=320, and ore distribution follows triangular or uniform probability distributions rather than the old flat generation.

Understanding these distributions is the key to efficient mining in 1.26. Each ore has a "sweet spot" where it generates most densely — mine there for maximum results.

Diamond — Best Y-Level & Strategy

Diamond is the most sought-after overworld ore. In Minecraft 1.26, the best Y-level for diamonds is Y=-59 (just above bedrock). Diamond uses a triangular distribution that peaks deep underground in the deepslate layer. The air exposure mechanic means diamonds generate less frequently near open caves — mining in solid deepslate at Y=-59 gives the highest yield per chunk.

Diamond Mining Tips for 1.26

• Branch mine at Y=-59 — dig a main tunnel and branch tunnels every 2 blocks apart for optimal coverage
• Use Fortune III — averages 2.2 diamonds per ore block (vs 1 without enchantment)
• Avoid caves — the air exposure penalty reduces diamond spawns near open air; mine in solid deepslate for best results
• Avoid lava — lava lakes are common at Y=-54 and below. Carry a water bucket!
• Night vision potions help spot ores on cave walls and in dark tunnels
• Deepslate is slower — bring Efficiency V diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine deepslate efficiently
• Works on Java & Bedrock — Y=-59 is optimal on both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition

Netherite (Ancient Debris) — The Rarest Ore

Ancient Debris is the rarest ore in Minecraft, found only in the Nether. You need 4 Ancient Debris to craft 1 Netherite Ingot. It's blast-resistant — making bed mining the fastest method.

Netherite Mining Strategy

• Bed mining at Y 15 — place a bed, step back 5 blocks, click to explode. Clears large areas fast.
• TNT mining — more controlled than beds, place rows of TNT at Y 15
• Strip mining — slower but safer, dig tunnels at Y 15
• Always bring fire resistance potions — lava is everywhere in the Nether
• Ancient Debris doesn't burn — it survives explosions and lava

Gold — Overworld & Nether

Gold generates in the overworld with a triangular distribution peaking around Y -16. It also has a special bonus placement in Badlands (Mesa) biomes where it generates up to Y 256!

Gold Mining Tips

• In the Nether, Nether Gold Ore is incredibly common and drops nuggets
• Badlands biome is the best place for gold in the overworld
• Piglins trade gold ingots for valuable items (bartering)
• Gold is essential for powered rails and golden apples

Iron — Best Levels for Infinite Iron

Iron has the widest spawn range of any ore and multiple distribution peaks. The densest iron is around Y 16 and again at Y 232 (mountains). Iron can form massive veins in deepslate.

Iron Mining Tips

• Mountains are iron-rich — exposed iron on mountain surfaces
• Large ore veins in deepslate can contain 100+ iron ore blocks
• Iron farms (golem farms) are more efficient for late-game
• Since 1.17, iron drops raw iron instead of ore blocks

Emerald — Mountain Mining

Emerald only spawns in mountain biomes. Unlike other ores, it spawns as single blocks. The higher you go, the more common it is — peaking near Y 236.

Emerald Tips

• Only spawns in mountains — don't waste time mining elsewhere
• Trading with villagers is far more efficient for emeralds
• Fortune III is still valuable — more emeralds per block

Copper — Dripstone Caves Bonanza

Copper is abundant and forms large veins. It generates extra-commonly in Dripstone Cave biomes. Used for building (oxidized copper), spyglasses, and lightning rods.

Coal — Easy Fuel

Coal is the most common ore and generates in large veins. It peaks at high Y-levels, making mountain surfaces and cliff faces great places to find it. Essential for torches and smelting.

Lapis Lazuli — Enchanting Essential

Lapis is essential for enchanting. It peaks around Y 0 with a triangular distribution. You usually find it naturally while mining for diamonds.

Redstone — Engineer's Ore

Redstone shares nearly the same distribution as diamond and is very common at deep levels. You'll find plenty while diamond mining. Each ore block drops 4-5 redstone dust.

🔥 Nether Ores — Quartz & Nether Gold

Nether Quartz (Y 10–117) is incredibly common and great for XP. Nether Gold Ore (Y 10–117) drops gold nuggets and can be smelted. Both are found almost everywhere in the Nether.

⛏️ Mining Strategies — Which is Best?

1. Branch Mining (Best for Diamonds)

Dig a main tunnel at Y -59, then dig branch tunnels to the sides every 2 blocks. This exposes the maximum number of blocks with minimum mining. The gold standard for diamond hunting.

2. Strip Mining (Easiest)

Mine in long straight lines at your target Y-level. Simple but less efficient than branching. Good for beginners.

3. Cave Mining (Most Fun)

Explore natural caves and mine exposed ores. Less efficient but more exciting. Since 1.18, some ore placements are reduced near air — so cave mining is slightly nerfed for certain ores.

4. TNT/Bed Mining (Fastest for Netherite)

Use explosives to clear large areas quickly in the Nether. The fastest way to find Ancient Debris. Not practical in the overworld due to collateral damage.

🔧 Tools & Enchantments for Mining

The ideal late-game setup is a Netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V + Fortune III + Unbreaking III + Mending. Use a separate Silk Touch pickaxe for when you need the actual ore blocks.