Diamond — Minecraft block

Diamond

Rare deep-ore gemstone crafted into the strongest pre-Netherite tools, weapons, and armor, found primarily in the lower half of the world.

Block ID minecraft:diamond
Mod Vanilla
Game versions
1.21

Description

Diamond ore generates between Y -64 and Y 16, with the highest concentration around Y -58. Mining with a Fortune III pickaxe multiplies drops, and each vein yields one to nine gems. The deepslate variant generates at the same Y levels near bedrock but requires a stronger pickaxe to mine efficiently.

This gemstone crafts full sets of tools and armor that offer significantly better durability and effectiveness than iron gear. A diamond sword deals seven damage and has 1562 durability. The material also crafts enchanting and smithing tables, and is consumed when duplicating armor trim templates. Since the 1.20 update, diamond armor can be upgraded to Netherite at a smithing table without losing enchantments — making diamond gear the essential stepping stone to end-game equipment. Fortune III pickaxes and efficient strip-mining at Y -58 remain the fastest ways to accumulate the gem.

Guide

How to Find and Mine Diamond in Minecraft

  1. 1

    Dig down to Y -58

    Diamond ore is most common at Y -58, deep in the deepslate layer. Dig down or use a cave near bedrock.

  2. 2

    Bring an iron pickaxe or better

    A stone or wooden pickaxe destroys the ore without dropping anything. Use iron, diamond, or netherite to collect Diamond.

  3. 3

    Strip-mine in straight tunnels

    Mine 2-block-high tunnels spaced three blocks apart at Y -58 to expose the most ore faces efficiently.

  4. 4

    Apply Fortune III

    A Fortune III pickaxe drops up to four diamonds per ore, averaging about 2.2 — far more than Silk Touch or plain mining.

  5. 5

    Watch for lava

    Diamond often generates near lava lakes at deep levels. Carry water buckets or blocks to seal off lava before mining.

Tip

Since the 1.18 caves-and-cliffs update the world bottom is Y -64, so Diamond now spawns deeper than the old Y 11 sweet spot.

How to craft this block

Ingredients: Block of Diamond Block of Diamond x1
Crafting
Block of Diamond
Diamond
9
Diamond

Used in crafts

Related blocks

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Y level to find Diamond?

Diamond is most abundant at Y -58. Ore generates from Y -64 to Y 16, but density peaks deep in the deepslate layer.

What pickaxe do I need to mine Diamond?

An iron pickaxe or better is required. A stone or wooden pickaxe destroys the ore without any drop.

Should I use Fortune or Silk Touch on Diamond?

Use Fortune III to drop up to four diamonds per ore (about 2.2 on average). Silk Touch collects the ore block itself, useful only if you want to mine it later.

How many diamonds make a full armor set?

A full diamond armor set takes 24 diamonds: 5 for the helmet, 8 for the chestplate, 7 for the leggings, and 4 for the boots.

Can diamond gear be upgraded to Netherite?

Yes. Since the 1.20 update you upgrade diamond gear to Netherite at a smithing table with a netherite upgrade template and a netherite ingot, keeping all enchantments.

Minecraft and all related materials are trademarks and copyrights of Mojang Studios © 2009–2026. This site is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang Studios or Microsoft Corporation.