Obsidian
Obsidian is the legendary purple-black blast-resistant block formed when water meets lava — the gateway to the Nether.
1.21
Description
Obsidian forms when a flowing water source touches a still lava source — a chemistry classic that every Survival player learns at the diamond stage. The block is famous for two reasons: its iconic purple-black texture flecked with violet highlights, and its near-invincibility. With a blast resistance of 1200, only a Wither's blue skull and Ender Dragon attacks can damage it; even maximum-power TNT chains leave it intact.
A diamond pickaxe is the minimum required tool — anything weaker fails to break the block at all. Mining one piece is slow even with the best gear, taking around nine seconds per block without Efficiency. Obsidian's primary use is the Nether portal frame, a 4×5 minimum rectangle ignited with flint and steel that opens a stable connection to the Nether. Other recipes include the Ender Chest, the enchanting table, the beacon stand, and the crying obsidian variant for respawn anchors.
A diamond pickaxe is the minimum required tool — anything weaker fails to break the block at all. Mining one piece is slow even with the best gear, taking around nine seconds per block without Efficiency. Obsidian's primary use is the Nether portal frame, a 4×5 minimum rectangle ignited with flint and steel that opens a stable connection to the Nether. Other recipes include the Ender Chest, the enchanting table, the beacon stand, and the crying obsidian variant for respawn anchors.
Minecraft Guide
How to get and use Obsidian in Minecraft
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1
Create the obsidian
Pour a bucket of water onto a still lava source block. The lava source instantly turns into obsidian. Lava flowing onto water makes cobblestone instead, so the water must hit the lava.
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2
Mine it with a diamond pickaxe
Only a diamond or netherite pickaxe drops obsidian; weaker tools break the block and yield nothing. Mining one block takes about nine seconds without Efficiency.
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3
Build a Nether portal
Arrange obsidian into a frame at least 4 wide and 5 tall — corners are optional, so 10 blocks is the minimum. Light the inside face with flint and steel to open the portal.
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4
Craft advanced blocks
Use 8 obsidian plus an eye of ender for an Ender Chest, or 4 obsidian with 2 diamonds and a book for an enchanting table.
Important
With a blast resistance of 1200, obsidian is immune to TNT and creeper explosions — only the Wither's blue skull and the Ender Dragon can break it. Crying obsidian is a separate purple-glowing variant used to craft respawn anchors.
How to craft this block
Crafting
Obsidian
1
Used in crafts
Frequently asked questions
How do you make obsidian in Minecraft?
Pour water onto a still lava source block and it turns into obsidian. If lava flows onto water you get cobblestone instead, so the water has to reach the lava.
What pickaxe do you need to mine obsidian?
A diamond or netherite pickaxe. Any lower tier still breaks the block but drops nothing, wasting the obsidian.
How much obsidian do you need for a Nether portal?
A minimum of 10 obsidian builds a 4×5 frame with the corners left out; a complete frame uses 14 blocks.
Can obsidian be destroyed by TNT?
No. With a blast resistance of 1200, obsidian is immune to TNT and creepers — only the Wither's blue skull and the Ender Dragon can damage it.
Is obsidian craftable?
No, obsidian has no crafting recipe. You create it by combining water with a lava source, or find it naturally around lava pools and ruined portals.
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