1.21+ Ore Generation

Explore the updated ore generation mechanics in Minecraft 1.21! Discover where to find your favorite ores, the best Y levels for mining, and optimize your resource gathering.

Coal

Generation Range: Y=0 to Y=320
Cluster Size: 1 to 17 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=95
Coal ore is abundant and can be found at various heights, but Y=95 is optimal for finding it in large quantities. This level offers a good balance between ease of access and high yield.

Gold

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=32
Cluster Size: 1 to 9 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=-16
Gold ore is more abundant in lower elevations. Y=-16 is the optimal level for finding gold ore veins, as it provides a higher concentration of this valuable resource.

Lapis Lazuli

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=64
Cluster Size: 1 to 8 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=-1
Lapis lazuli ore is evenly distributed across its range, but Y=-1 is the best level for finding larger clusters. This depth often yields the most lapis lazuli per mining session.

Diamond

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=16
Cluster Size: 1 to 10 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=-59
Diamonds are most plentiful between Y=-64 and Y=16, but Y=-59 is the ideal level for mining. At this depth, you’ll encounter the highest concentration of diamond ore veins. However, to avoid lava pools, aim for around Y=-55.

Copper

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=112
Cluster Size: 1 to 16 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=48
Copper ore generates throughout a broad range but is most abundant at Y=48. Mining at this level will give you a higher chance of finding larger copper ore veins.

Emerald

Generation Range: Mountain biomes, Y=4 to Y=32
Cluster Size: 1 block per vein
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=20
Emerald ore is rare and only found in mountain biomes. Y=20 is the optimal level within these biomes to find emerald ore more frequently.

Redstone

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=16
Cluster Size: 1 to 8 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=-59
Redstone ore is more common in lower depths, with Y=-59 being the prime level for maximizing your redstone finds. This level offers the best chance to find larger veins of redstone.

Iron

Generation Range: Y=-64 to Y=64
Cluster Size: 1 to 9 blocks
Best Y Level to Mine: Y=16
Iron ore is commonly found at all levels within its range, but Y=16 is ideal for maximizing your finds. Mining at this level offers a balance between ore concentration and ease of access.