5 February 2025

What Is Copper Used For In Minecraft? A Complete Guide

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:

  1. Mine Copper Ore – Use at least a stone pickaxe to break the ore and collect Raw Copper.
  2. Smelt Raw Copper – Place it in a furnace or blast furnace to turn it into Copper Ingots.
  3. 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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# At Shockbyte, we think you will also like the following blogs:

  1. What Do Armadillos Eat in Minecraft? | Complete 1.21 Guide
  2. All Minecraft Villager Jobs: The Complete Guide (Updated for 2025)
  3. Where to Find Iron in Minecraft: Best Locations and Mining Tips

Are you using copper in your Minecraft builds? Let us know in the comments!