Crying Obsidian
Crying Obsidian is the dark-purple, weeping variant of obsidian that glows at light level 10 and crafts the respawn anchor — the only way to set spawn in the Nether.
Description
The defining use of Crying Obsidian is crafting a respawn anchor: six Crying Obsidian arranged around three glowstone in a 3×3 grid produce one respawn anchor, the only block that can set a respawn point inside the Nether dimension. Beyond that single recipe, builders prize Crying Obsidian for its constant purple glow, using the block as an accent in shrines, magical altars, portal rooms, and dramatic interior lighting where plain black obsidian would look too flat.
Java & Bedrock Guide
How to get and use Crying Obsidian in Minecraft
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1
Collect Crying Obsidian
Find Crying Obsidian in ruined portals and bastion remnants, or barter gold ingots with piglins, who occasionally trade it. Gather at least six pieces for one respawn anchor.
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2
Mine it with a diamond pickaxe
Crying Obsidian requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe; any weaker tool breaks the block without dropping it, exactly like regular obsidian.
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3
Craft a respawn anchor
Place six Crying Obsidian around three glowstone in the 3×3 crafting grid, with the glowstone filling the middle row, to craft one respawn anchor.
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4
Charge and set your spawn
Right-click the respawn anchor with glowstone to charge it, then right-click again to set your Nether spawn point, since sleeping in a bed explodes in the Nether.
Crying Obsidian cannot be used to build a Nether portal frame — only regular obsidian ignites into a portal. Use Crying Obsidian for respawn anchors and decoration.
Used in crafts
Frequently asked questions
Can you craft Crying Obsidian?
No. Crying Obsidian cannot be crafted in Minecraft. You obtain it from ruined portals, bastion remnants, or by bartering gold ingots with piglins.
What is Crying Obsidian used for?
Crying Obsidian is used to craft a respawn anchor, the only block that sets a respawn point in the Nether. Builders also use its purple glow for decoration.
Can Crying Obsidian make a Nether portal?
No. A Nether portal frame must be built from regular obsidian. Crying Obsidian does not ignite into a working portal.
How much Crying Obsidian do you need for a respawn anchor?
A respawn anchor needs six Crying Obsidian and three glowstone arranged in a 3×3 crafting grid.
Does Crying Obsidian give off light?
Yes. Crying Obsidian emits light at luminance level 10, a soft purple glow that regular obsidian does not have.
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