11 resources selected. Only these resources will be saved.
Your checklist
11 resources selected
Coal Ore
Copper Ore
Iron Ore
Gold Ore
Redstone Ore
Lapis Lazuli Ore
Diamond Ore
Emerald Ore
Nether Quartz Ore
Nether Gold Ore
Ancient Debris
Choose more resources
Add optional resources to your routine.
Minecraft Ore Levels resource instructions
Coal Ore
Suggested search: Y 96 (Overworld). Coal is most plentiful at higher elevations; exposed mountainsides can be excellent. Underground band centered near Y 96. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Copper Ore
Suggested search: Y 48 (Overworld). Concentrated near Y 48; dripstone caves provide bonus copper generation. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Iron Ore
Suggested search: Y 16 or 232 (Overworld). Good underground around Y 16 and high mountain peaks around Y 232; look for large iron veins deep underground. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Gold Ore
Suggested search: Y -16 (Overworld). Peak around Y -16. Badlands offer an extra rich gold distribution at higher levels. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Redstone Ore
Suggested search: Y -59 (Overworld). Common near the bottom of the world, close to bedrock; bring an iron pickaxe or better. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Lapis Lazuli Ore
Suggested search: Y 0 (Overworld). Try around Y 0, including buried veins; important for enchanting. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Diamond Ore
Suggested search: Y -59 (Overworld). Most common deep underground around Y -59; mine carefully to avoid lava and bring an iron pickaxe or better. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Emerald Ore
Suggested search: Mountain heights (Overworld). Only generates in mountains and windswept hills; concentration increases with altitude, often highest near Y 232. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Nether Quartz Ore
Suggested search: Y 10–117 (Nether). Widely distributed across the Nether, including exposed walls; no single narrow optimum. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Nether Gold Ore
Suggested search: Y 10–117 (Nether). Generates throughout broad Nether height bands. Basalt deltas have extra occurrences; piglins become hostile if nearby gold is mined. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Ancient Debris
Suggested search: Y 15 (Nether). Common mining target around Y 15. Blast-resistant and requires diamond/netherite pickaxe to harvest. These are probabilities, not guaranteed blocks.
Best Minecraft ore levels
| Ore | Suggested mining Y | Extra tip |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | -59 | Deep deepslate; watch for lava |
| Redstone | -59 | Mine alongside diamonds |
| Iron | 16 / 232 | Underground or high mountains |
| Coal | 96 | Higher terrain and mountains |
| Copper | 48 | Extra abundant in dripstone caves |
| Gold | -16 | Badlands offer another rich band |
| Lapis Lazuli | 0 | Buried deposits near the stone/deepslate boundary |
| Emerald | Mountains, near 232 | Higher peaks; biome-limited |
| Ancient Debris | 15 (Nether) | Use diamond pickaxe; prepare for lava |
| Nether Gold | Broad Nether range | Inspect exposed netherrack |
| Nether Quartz | Broad Nether range | Look for exposed veins |
These are approximate search levels based on modern world generation, not coordinates where ore is guaranteed to appear. Exact abundance depends on terrain, biome, air exposure and random seed; historical Minecraft versions use different distributions.
How to use coordinates
Turn on coordinates (Java: F3 debug screen; Bedrock: Show Coordinates in world settings). Watch the Y coordinate while exploring or branch mining, equip a suitable pickaxe, and carry food and blocks for lava hazards.
Make a resource-gathering checklist
Choose the ores you need for a build and save a short list with mining notes. For a broader series of projects, explore Minecraft checklists and challenges.