Are you having trouble navigating the intricate world of Minecraft’s latest update, which features the introduction of copper? Don’t worry! As an avid Minecraft player, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about copper – from how to obtain it to what you can do.
For starters, copper is a new ore found in deep underground caves in Minecraft. Once you encounter copper ore underground, you must mine it with a stone pickaxe or higher. Once you’ve mined the copper ore, it will drop raw copper. It’s worth noting that copper ore takes longer to mine than other ores, so be sure to bring plenty of pickaxes.
Now that you have some raw copper, what can you do with it? A variety of things! You can smelt it in a furnace to get copper ingots, which can be used to craft various items such as the lightning rod, spyglass, and the new copper block.
These blocks look great when used as decoration and change color over time, creating a unique and dynamic aesthetic. With this guide, you’ll soon be a Minecraft copper expert!
How to Find Copper in Minecraft?
As a Minecraft player, finding copper is essential and can significantly help in upgrading your gear and strengthening your base. However, copper is difficult to locate as it doesn’t occur as frequently as iron or gold in the game. In this section, I’ll provide some tips and tricks to help you locate copper in Minecraft.
Where to Find Copper?
Copper can be found underground in the Overworld, below the Y-axis of 63. In Minecraft, copper ore can be found in two forms: as a block or an item. You can mine the copper block efficiently using a stone pickaxe or better, while the copper item can be obtained by smelting copper ore in a furnace.
Copper blocks usually occur in groups, ranging from 1 to 10 blocks per cluster. They generate between the Y-axis of 0 and 60, and they appear more frequently in the following biomes:
- Mountains
- Lush Caves
- Deep slate
- Caves
Another way to get copper is by fishing. Fishing within any water source will likely catch copper items like copper ingot or raw copper. This method is convenient, especially if you don’t want to go into the caves or have some free time to engage in other activities like enchanting or farming.
What Can You Do With Copper?
Copper is a versatile item, and you can use it in various ways. Some of the useful crafts that you can come up with using copper include:
- Crafting a telescope to view distant items.
- Creating copper blocks that are ideal for building intricate decorations and structures.
- It is making lightning rods that can protect your house from lightning strikes.
- Crafting spyglasses, which is a handy tool for surveying the landscape.
- Creating new tools and armor such as copper swords, pickaxes, and helmets
Finding copper in Minecraft is a challenge, especially for a beginner. With the tips I’ve shared above, you can now locate copper ore easily and have fun using it creatively for various purposes.
How to Mine Copper Ore?
Minecraft’s latest update has introduced many new features, including the highly coveted copper ore.

However, finding and mining copper ore can be a bit tricky, especially for those new to the game. In this section, I’ll walk you through how to mine copper ore in Minecraft.
Finding Copper Ore
Copper ore is typically found underground between the depths of 0 and 63. It can spawn in veins between 2 to 8 blocks and has a lower spawn rate than other ores. Copper ore also tends to be in areas with stone, granite, and diorite blocks. One of the easiest ways to find copper ore is by exploring cave systems. These areas are usually rich in ores, and copper ore can often be found alongside iron and coal.
Mining Copper Ore
Once you’ve found copper ore, mining it is relatively straightforward. You will need a stone pickaxe or higher to mine copper ore successfully. The time it takes to mine a copper ore block depends on the pickaxe’s material, with each pickaxe speed tier reducing mining time. After breaking the copper ore block with a pickaxe, it will drop itself as an item you can collect.
Smelting Copper Ore
When you have collected enough copper ore, you can smelt it in a furnace. Smelting one copper ore in a furnace produces one copper ingot. Like with other ores, smelting copper will give experience points to the player. These ingots can be used to craft various copper items, such as the lightning rod, spyglass, and telescopes.
Mining copper ore can be a challenge at first, but with some practice and exploration, you can quickly find yourself with a vast supply of copper ingots. Remember that it’s essential to have at least a stone pickaxe or higher to mine copper ore, and it’s not commonly found on the surface level of the game. So get out there, explore, and discover the beauty of Minecraft’s latest update.
Smelting Copper Ore to Make Ingots
As we all know, copper is an essential resource in Minecraft that can be found deep underground. Now that we have collected enough copper ore, it’s time to turn them into helpful copper ingots. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather your materials
Before we start smelting the copper ores, we need to gather some materials:
- Furnace
- Coal, charcoal, or any similar fuel
- Bucket of water (to extinguish the stove when needed)
- Copper ores
2. Smelt the copper ores
Once you have gathered all necessary materials, follow these steps to smelt the copper ores:
- Open your furnace menu by right-clicking on it.
- Put your fuel into the bottom box. Note that coal or charcoal can smelt eight items, while other powers can only smelt one thing.
- Put your copper ore into the top box.
- Wait for the furnace to finish smelting. The progress bar inside the furnace menu will indicate how long the smelting process takes.
- Once the smelting process is complete, the copper ingot will appear in the right box of the furnace menu.
3. Collect the copper ingots
Once you have successfully smelted the copper ores, it’s time to collect the copper ingots:
- Open your furnace menu if you haven’t already.
- Right-click on the copper ingot in the furnace menu’s right box.
- The copper ingots will now be placed into your inventory.
That’s it! You have successfully turned your copper ores into copper ingots. Remember that copper ingots can make several valuable items, such as lightning rods, spy glasses, and telescopes.
Crafting With Copper Ingots
Once you’ve acquired some copper ingots in Minecraft, you’re ready to start crafting. Copper has a range of uses in the game, from decorative to functional, and can be made into various objects, including blocks, tools, and more. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Making Copper Blocks
Copper blocks are a great way to add style to your world. They have a unique look that pairs well with other materials, such as stone or wood. Place nine copper ingots in a 3×3 crafting grid to create a copper block.
Crafting With Copper Tools
Copper tools are a new addition to the game and offer an alternative to traditional iron or diamond tools. While they aren’t as durable as other tools, they have some advantages. For example, copper tools mine slightly faster than iron tools, and they also have a chance to apply a “tarnish” effect to enemies, reducing their damage output. Here’s how to craft each copper tool:
- Copper Pickaxe: Place three copper ingots in a diagonal pattern in a crafting grid, with two sticks underneath.
- Copper Shovel: Place one copper ingot in the top row of a crafting grid, with two sticks directly underneath.
- Copper Axe: Place three copper ingots in a “V” shape in a crafting grid, with two sticks to either side.
- Copper Hoe: Place two copper ingots in the top row of a crafting grid, with two sticks directly underneath.
Using Copper in Redstone Circuits
Copper can be used in conjunction with Redstone to create some exciting circuitry. Copper and cut copper blocks can create a “lightning rod” effect, redirecting the path of lightning strikes. Copper wires can also create “powered blocks, ” activating adjacent redstone components. To create copper wires, place a copper ingot in a crafting grid to make copper nuggets, and then use those nuggets to create copper wires.
Creating Decorative Copper Items
Copper can also create decorative items, such as copper lamps or bells. To create a copper lamp, surround a glowstone block with four copper ingots in a crafting grid. To create a copper bell, place a copper block in the center of a crafting grid, with three iron ingots across the top.
Whether you’re looking to craft new tools, add style to your builds, or experiment with Redstone circuitry, copper has much to offer. Remember to watch its durability and be prepared to replace your copper tools and armor when necessary.
Using Copper in Redstone Builds
Copper is an essential element in Minecraft, especially when crafting Redstone components. Understanding the best way to use copper in Redstone can be challenging, but you can make the most of this valuable resource with helpful tips and tricks.

Crafting Redstone Components with Copper
Copper is used in Minecraft to create some of the essential Redstone components, such as:
- Lightning Rods: Protect your structures from lightning strikes.
- Spyglass: Zoom in to see distant objects.
- Bundles: Store and transport multiple types of items at once.
In addition, copper ingots can be used to create copper blocks, which can serve as a decorative element in your builds or as part of Redstone components.
Using Copper Blocks in Redstone Builds
Copper blocks can provide some unique functions in Redstone builds, like:
- Redstone Clocks: Copper blocks power Redstone clocks and can be used to create repeatable Redstone pulse generators.
- Redstone Signals: Copper blocks power Redstone circuits by creating a signal when activated.
Copper blocks also have a feature where their color changes over time, like how copper develops a patina in real life. This effect can add an aesthetic element to your builds.
Strategically Placing Copper in Redstone Builds
When using copper in Redstone builds, it’s essential to place it strategically to ensure it functions correctly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep copper blocks away from water. Water can oxidize copper blocks and interfere with their function.
- Use copper blocks as part of a Redstone circuit. Copper blocks can enhance the performance of Redstone circuits.
- Use copper blocks as part of a Redstone power network. Copper blocks can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Redstone power networks.
By strategically placing copper in your Redstone builds you can make the most of this valuable resource in Minecraft.
Copper is a vital material in Minecraft, and it’s essential to understand how to use it in Redstone’s best builds. By crafting Redstone components with copper, using copper blocks in Redstone builds, and strategically placing copper in your builds, you can take your Redstone creations to the next level.
Decorating with Copper Blocks
Copper is a versatile material in Minecraft that can create a range of themed decorations. The orange and brown hues of the copper block and its variants provide an attractive aesthetic for players looking to enhance the appearance of their builds. Here are some ways to incorporate copper blocks into your Minecraft designs:
- Roofs: Copper blocks make for excellent roofing material, especially when paired with other metal types such as iron or gold. The unique texture of copper tiles can also be used to add detail to the exterior of a building.
- Lamps and Lighting: One way to utilize the glow of copper is by creating lamps and lanterns with copper blocks. This can create a warm, rustic vibe that complements any medieval or fantasy-themed builds. Additionally, copper buttons can be switched, providing a unique touch to your redstone contraptions.
- Statues and Figurines: Copper blocks and their variants can be used to make statues, figurines, and other decorative objects. The oxidized copper variant gives a vintage and aged look, making it perfect for sculptures that require a weathered appearance.
- Flooring: Copper blocks can also be used as flooring, offering a unique contrast to the common cobblestone or wood floor. Players can alternate between copper blocks and glass to create an intricate and modern floor design.
- Landscaping: Copper blocks can give a natural and earthy look to your landscape designs. You can create a fountain, river, or waterfall by using different variants of copper blocks paired with cobblestone and other natural-looking textures.
The various hues and textures offer a unique look for any build, making it a favorite choice among players. Whether you are constructing a castle or a modern house, copper blocks will add an attractive flair to your builds.
Copper Tools and Armor
Moving on from the previous section, let’s discuss copper tools and armor available in Minecraft. Copper tools and armor have been introduced in Minecraft as part of the 1.17 update. These tools and armor provide players with a new material to work with, which can be used for various purposes.
Crafting Copper Tools
Crafting copper tools is relatively simple. The process for crafting copper tools is similar to crafting iron tools. Below is a table outlining the basic details for copper tools:
Tool | Durability | Mining level | Attack damage |
---|---|---|---|
Copper Sword | 209 | Wooden | 5 |
Copper Pickaxe | 181 | Wooden | 2.5 |
Copper Axe | 172 | Wooden | 7 |
Copper Shovel | 131 | Wooden | 2.5 |
Copper Hoe | 60 | Wooden | – |
Copper tools have similar durability to their wooden counterparts but a lower mining level than iron tools. Copper tools also have lower attack damage, making them less effective than iron or diamond tools. However, copper tools have a unique property where they will gradually oxidize over time, giving them a unique look.
Crafting Copper Armor
Similar to copper tools, crafting copper armor is relatively simple. The process of crafting copper armor is similar to crafting iron armor. Below is a table outlining the essential details for copper armor:
Armor | Durability | Defense points |
---|---|---|
Copper Helmet | 82 | 2 |
Copper Chestplate | 124 | 4 |
Copper Leggings | 116 | 3 |
Copper Boots | 100 | 1 |
Copper armor has a lower durability compared to iron armor. However, copper armor has a unique property where it will gradually oxidize over time, giving it a unique look. Additionally, copper armor will provide players with protection against lightning strikes by attracting lightning strikes within a 3×3 block radius.
Copper tools and armor provide players with a new material to work with, which can be used for various purposes. They are not as strong as iron or diamond tools and armor. Still, their unique oxidation effect and the ability of copper armor to attract lightning strikes make them an exciting addition to the game.
Copper in Minecraft: Tips and Tricks
Copper is one of Minecraft’s latest and most exciting additions in the Caves and Cliffs update. It’s a versatile and useful material that can be used to craft a wide range of items and blocks, from decorative elements to powerful new tools. In this section, I’ll share tips and tricks to help you make the most of copper in your Minecraft adventures.
1. Finding Copper
Copper ore can be found and mined in the same way as other ores in Minecraft. It’s most commonly found in the underground and in caves, with higher concentrations being found at deeper levels. It can also be obtained by mining Deepslate Copper Ore located in the deepest parts of the underground.
2. Crafting Copper Blocks
Copper blocks are a great way to show off your Minecraft-building skills. They have a unique color and texture that fits in well with many different themes and can be used to create eye-catching details and accents.
To craft a copper block, place nine copper ingots in a crafting table in a 3×3 formation.
3. Using Lightning Rods
One of the most interesting uses for copper in Minecraft is with lightning rods. These blocks can be crafted using three copper ingots and can be used to protect your structures from lightning strikes.
When a lightning bolt strikes a lightning rod, it will discharge harmlessly into the rod, rather than causing damage to nearby blocks and entities.
4. Making Copper Tools
Copper tools have a unique property in Minecraft: they oxidize over time, changing from a bright, shiny color to a dull green. However, they are much easier to obtain than iron tools and can be a great alternative if you’re starting out.
Copper tools are slightly less durable than iron tools but are faster and more efficient at mining copper and other soft materials. They can also mine ores that require a stone pickaxe, such as coal or Redstone.
5. Crafting Amethyst Geodes
While not directly related to copper, amethyst geodes are closely tied to the Caves and Cliffs update and can be a great source of copper and other valuable resources.
Amethyst geodes can be found in underground, and mining them will yield a large amount of amethyst shards, along with other goodies like copper ore, emeralds, and diamonds.
Pros and Cons of Using Copper in Minecraft
Copper is a relatively new resource in Minecraft. Players can mine copper ore to obtain raw copper, which can then be processed into copper ingots through smelting. Copper can create various items, from new blocks to lightning rods. However, before deciding to add copper to your Minecraft world, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons.
Pros of Using Copper in Minecraft
- Aesthetic appeal: Copper blocks have a distinct, warm color that adds a stylish touch to any building project.
- Versatility: Copper can be used for more than just decoration. It can also be crafted into a lightning rod, spyglass, and telescope, all with unique and valuable functions within the game.
- Oxidization and aging: Unlike most other Minecraft blocks, copper changes over time. When placed in a world, copper will eventually oxidize and turn green. This natural aging process is a neat feature that adds to the game’s immersion.
- Renewability: Copper is a renewable resource, meaning you can farm it to collect more over time. This is especially beneficial for large builds requiring many copper blocks.
Cons of Using Copper in Minecraft
- It takes time to obtain: Copper is a relatively rare resource, which means it can take time and effort to get enough for your builds.
- Weakness to explosions: Copper blocks are weaker than other blocks in Minecraft and are destroyed more easily by explosions. This can make them a less useful building material.
- Limited functionality: Although copper has unique uses, such as the lightning rod and telescope, it doesn’t have many functions within the game. This limits its overall usefulness.
- Limited availability in older versions: Copper may not be available for players who prefer to play older versions of Minecraft since it was only introduced in version 1.17.
Whether or not to use copper in Minecraft largely depends on personal preference. While copper has some great features and can add a unique touch to your building projects, it also has its limitations. Consider your goals for your Minecraft world and decide if copper aligns with those goals.
Conclusion
To summarize, copper in Minecraft is a valuable and versatile material that players can use to craft tools, weapons, and decorative items. In this comprehensive guide, I have explained the basics of copper mining, smelting, and oxidation and its unique properties and uses.
Here are the main takeaways from this guide:
- Copper ore can be abundant in caves, mountains, and underground.
- Copper ingots can be created by smelting copper ore in a furnace or blast furnace.
- If left exposed to air, copper blocks will oxidize over time, producing a unique visual effect and giving off light.
- Use wax or honeycomb to prevent copper blocks from oxidizing.
- Copper tools and armor are less durable than iron or diamond but offer unique enchantments, such as the lightning rod and the spyglass.
- Copper can be used to craft decorative blocks, such as the block of copper, the cut copper block, and copper stairs and slabs.
Remember that copper is a non-renewable resource, so use it wisely and recycle it using a lightning rod or a minecart with a hopper. Also, be mindful of the risks of copper shortage or oversaturation, which can affect the game’s balance and economy.
I hope this guide has been helpful and informative and that you feel confident and excited to explore the world of Minecraft Copper. Happy crafting!