Copper in Minecraft is one of the more unique ores, introduced in the Caves & Cliffs update (1.17). While it might not be as essential as iron or diamond, it has some interesting uses that make it a valuable resource for builders and redstone enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to build a stylish oxidizing copper roof or craft a spyglass to spot mobs from a distance, copper has its place in the game.
Let’s break down what copper is used for in Minecraft, how to find it, and how to prevent (or encourage) its oxidation!
# Where to Find Copper in Minecraft
Before you start crafting with copper, you’ll need to mine it first! Copper ore can be found underground between Y-levels 112 and -16, with the best levels for mining being Y=47 and Y=48.
# How to Obtain Copper:
- Mine Copper Ore – Use at least a stone pickaxe to break the ore and collect Raw Copper.
- Smelt Raw Copper – Place it in a furnace or blast furnace to turn it into Copper Ingots.
- Loot from Drowned – Drowned mobs (zombie variants found in water) have an 11% chance to drop copper ingots when killed.
Pro Tip: Mining copper in dripstone caves is a great way to collect large amounts of ore quickly!
# What is Copper Used for in Minecraft?
Now that you’ve collected some copper, what can you do with it? Here are all the Minecraft copper uses you need to know!
# Building and Decoration
One of the main uses for copper is as a decorative block. Copper blocks can oxidize over time, gradually turning from bright orange to green, similar to how real-life copper reacts to the elements.
Types of Copper Blocks:
- Block of Copper (crafted with 9 copper ingots)
- Cut Copper (crafted from copper blocks)
- Cut Copper Stairs & Slabs (perfect for rooftops!)
- Chiseled Copper (new in 1.21, great for detailed builds)
- Copper Doors, Trapdoors & Grates (also new in 1.21)
How to Control Oxidation:
- To stop oxidation → Wax copper blocks using honeycomb.
- To remove oxidation → Use an axe to scrape off one stage of oxidation.
- To speed up oxidation → Place copper blocks at least 4 blocks apart.
# Crafting a Lightning Rod
A lightning rod is a must-have if you want to protect your wooden builds from being burned down during a storm.
How to craft:
- 3 Copper Ingots placed in a vertical line on a crafting table.
Lightning Rod Features:
- Attracts lightning within 128 blocks (Java Edition) or 64 blocks (Bedrock Edition).
- Prevents fires in flammable structures.
- Generates a redstone signal when struck (can be used in redstone circuits!).
Fun Fact: You can use a lightning rod to remove oxidation from nearby copper blocks!
# Crafting a Spyglass
If you want to zoom in and see faraway mobs, structures, or landscapes, a spyglass is the perfect tool.
How to craft:
- 2 Copper Ingots
- 1 Amethyst Shard
How to use it:
- Equip the spyglass and right-click (or use the trigger button on consoles) to zoom in.
Did you know? The spyglass works similarly to the Optifine Zoom mod but is built into the game!
# Crafting a Copper Bulb (1.21 Update)
The copper bulb is a light source that becomes dimmer as it oxidizes.
How to craft:
- 3 Copper Blocks
- 1 Blaze Rod
- 1 Redstone Dust
Use Case: Perfect for dynamic lighting systems where you want your base to gradually dim over time!
# Crafting a Brush (for Archaeology)
With the Archaeology system, players can excavate Suspicious Sand and Gravel for rare loot using a brush.
How to craft:
- 1 Copper Ingot
- 1 Feather
- 1 Stick
Pro Tip: Use a brush at desert temples and ocean ruins to discover pottery shards and hidden loot!
# Armor Trims (Cosmetic Use)
Copper is also used to customize your armor trims in Minecraft 1.20+.
How to use:
- Combine an armor piece, a smithing template, and a copper ingot in the smithing table to apply a copper-colored design.
Customization Tip: Copper armor trims pair well with netherite or diamond armor for a stylish, steampunk aesthetic!
While copper isn’t the most powerful material in Minecraft, it adds depth to the game’s building mechanics, crafting, and redstone possibilities. Whether you’re protecting your base with a lightning rod, zooming in with a spyglass, or creating unique oxidized builds, copper is a fun and versatile material worth collecting!
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Are you using copper in your Minecraft builds? Let us know in the comments!
