Uncover the wonders of the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, where a treasure trove of new blocks awaits your exploration. From the shimmering depths of amethyst to the rustic charm of copper, each block introduces unique properties and crafting possibilities that can transform your builds. Whether you’re seeking to harness the power of tinted glass or looking to decorate with tuff, this guide will navigate you through every new addition, ensuring your adventures in the vast underground and towering cliffs are as enriching as they are exciting. Dive in and discover how these blocks can redefine your Minecraft experience!
Amethyst blocks
Amethyst blocks are a distinctive feature introduced in the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, found within amethyst geodes underground. They come in two main forms: Block of Amethyst and Budding Amethyst. The latter is notable for its ability to produce amethyst crystals, which can be harvested as they grow through four distinct stages. Players can mine these blocks with any pickaxe except wooden ones, yielding both the block and crystals upon breaking. Additionally, walking on amethyst blocks produces a pleasant bell-like sound, adding an auditory element to their unique aesthetic appeal.
Amethyst blocks occur underground. They come in two forms: regular and budding.
A budding variant can be acquired, but you get amethyst crystals from it. Budding Amethyst has 4 states, and you get crystal pieces from it. You can use the luck spell on it – you can get 16 pieces, from the largest budding amethyst.
Amethyst can be obtained using any pickaxe (except wooden). A block of amethyst and an amethyst crystal will be awarded for breaking the block.
Walking on Amethyst makes you hear the tinkle of a bell.
Copper block
Copper blocks in Minecraft are a versatile building material introduced in the Caves & Cliffs update. Crafted from nine copper ingots, these blocks start with a vibrant orange hue but undergo a fascinating oxidation process over time, transitioning through four distinct stages: normal, exposed, weathered, and finally oxidized, which takes several in-game weeks to complete. Players can maintain the shiny appearance of copper blocks by applying wax from honeycomb, preventing oxidation. This unique feature not only adds aesthetic value but also reflects real-world chemistry, as copper naturally develops a protective green patina when exposed to the elements.
The most important thing about copper is that it oxidizes. This process is divided into 4 stages: default, slightly oxidized, medium oxidized, maximum oxidized. Each stage lasts 50/80 days.
The copper blocks can be waxed to stop the oxidation process. Just use a honeycomb on the block.
If lightning strikes the blocks of oxidized copper, it can be deoxidized – it is worth waxing if you want to keep it in a given form.
With the help of an ax, you can both remove the copper wax and reverse the oxidation process.
Deepslate
Deepslate is a new block introduced in Minecraft’s Caves & Cliffs update, specifically designed to enhance the underground experience. Found below the traditional stone layer, deepslate offers a unique aesthetic and serves as a more robust alternative to stone, making it ideal for building and crafting. Players can mine deepslate to obtain various ores, including diamonds, which have been reconfigured to spawn within this layer, altering the mining strategy that players have relied on in previous versions. The introduction of deepslate not only enriches the visual diversity of caves but also adds an extra layer of challenge and exploration for players venturing into the depths of Minecraft’s expansive world.
Deepslate appears underground, just like rock. You can use it to build various materials and tools, and specifically use it as a substitute for stone.
You can mine the deepslate with any pickaxe you want. However, instead of pure raw material, you will get deepslate cobblestone. After using the pickaxe with the Silk Touch enchantment, the deepslate falls out.
Tuff
Tuff is a new block introduced in the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, specifically designed to enhance the underground experience. This sedimentary rock can be found in the Overworld, typically generating in large deposits within the new cave systems. Tuff is notable for its unique texture and color, which adds visual diversity to cave environments. Players can mine tuff with a pickaxe, and it can also be used in crafting and building, allowing for creative architectural designs. Its introduction reflects the overall aim of the Caves & Cliffs update to enrich exploration and resource management within Minecraft’s expansive world.
You will find tuff beneath grid 16. You can extract it up with any pickaxe you want. For now, it’s just for decoration, nothing can be done about it.
Smooth basalt
Smooth basalt is a versatile building material introduced in Minecraft’s Caves & Cliffs update. Players can create smooth basalt by smelting regular basalt in a furnace, making it an accessible option for enhancing their builds. This dark gray stone is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves practical purposes, such as being blast-resistant against ghast fireballs in the Nether. Additionally, smooth basalt can be found naturally surrounding amethyst geodes, adding to its availability in the game. While its primary use is decorative, it can also produce a unique sound when used with note blocks, further expanding its utility in creative projects.
Smooth basalt can be found in the natural environment, right next to the amethyst geodes.
However, you can create smooth basalt yourself by simply burning ordinary basalt in an oven.
Calcite
Calcite is a decorative block introduced in the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, primarily found near amethyst geodes. Its striking white appearance makes it a popular choice for builders looking to add a bright and clean aesthetic to their constructions. While calcite can be mined with any pickaxe, it currently serves no functional purpose beyond decoration, making it a purely aesthetic addition to the game’s diverse block palette. Players often use calcite to enhance the visual appeal of their builds, showcasing its versatility in various architectural designs.
You’ll find calcite in the natural environment, right next to the amethyst geodes. You can extract it with any pickaxe, but there’s nothing you can do with it.
Tinted glass
Tinted Glass is a unique block introduced in the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, designed to block all light from passing through. This makes it particularly useful for creating dark environments or for housing mobs without the risk of suffocation, as they can breathe inside tinted glass. Players can craft tinted glass using a combination of regular glass and four amethyst crystals, making it a valuable addition for builders looking to enhance their creations with both aesthetic appeal and functional properties.
Tinted glass does not pass light. You can collect it by hand, without using special tools. In addition, the mob locked inside will not suffocate.
Creation – glass and 4 amethyst crystals (as in the screenshot above).
Dripstone
Dripstone is a fascinating new feature introduced in the Minecraft Caves & Cliffs update, specifically within the Dripstone Cave biome. This biome is characterized by its unique geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites made from pointed dripstone blocks. The dripstone blocks can collect water or lava, creating dynamic interactions with the environment; for example, stalactites can fill cauldrons placed below them over time. Players can also manipulate these blocks, as they grow slowly from a stalactite above into a stalagmite below, adding a layer of realism and interactivity to cave exploration. The introduction of dripstone not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of caves but also enriches gameplay by providing new resources and mechanics for players to discover and utilize.
The dripstones are underwater. They can form stalagmites, stalactites and stalagnates.
They can be used for decorative purposes. They are extracted with a pickaxe or can be purchased from a vendor.
It occurs in dripstone caves or in random caves.
A falling stalactite can deal damage and kill a character. A fall on stalagmite can end in death.
What are the most unique features of the new blocks in Minecraft Caves & Cliffs
The Caves & Cliffs update in Minecraft introduces several unique blocks, each with distinct features that enhance gameplay and creativity. Here are some of the standout blocks and their characteristics:
Unique Features of New Blocks
Amethyst Blocks
- Types: Comes in regular and budding forms, with budding amethyst capable of producing amethyst crystals.
- Sound: Walking on amethyst produces a tinkling sound, adding an auditory element to the environment.
- Growth States: Budding amethyst can have up to four states, allowing for strategic harvesting of crystals using luck spells to maximize yield.
Copper Blocks
- Oxidation: Copper undergoes a four-stage oxidation process, changing appearance over time from bright orange to green. Players can wax copper blocks to prevent this aging.
- Lightning Interaction: If struck by lightning, oxidized copper can revert to its original state, adding a dynamic environmental interaction.
Deepslate
- Alternative to Stone: Acts as a substitute for stone in crafting and building, providing a darker aesthetic.
- Mining Variants: When mined without the Silk Touch enchantment, it drops deepslate cobblestone instead of raw deepslate.
Tinted Glass
- Light Blocking: Unlike regular glass, tinted glass does not allow light to pass through, making it useful for creating dark spaces or mob containment areas without suffocation risks.
Dripstone
- Formation: Can form stalagmites and stalactites, which not only serve decorative purposes but can also deal damage if a player falls on them.
- Water Interaction: Dripstones can fill cauldrons with water or lava, offering new resource-gathering methods.
Tuff and Calcite
- Decorative Use: Both blocks are primarily decorative. Tuff is found at lower depths while calcite appears near amethyst geodes, adding variety to underground builds.
These new blocks not only enrich the Minecraft environment but also introduce new mechanics that encourage players to explore and innovate in their building designs.
How can I create smooth basalt in Minecraft
To create Smooth Basalt in Minecraft, follow these simple steps:
- Gather Basalt: First, you need to obtain Basalt blocks. These can be found primarily in the Nether, especially in areas near lava and basalt deltas.
- Use a Furnace: Place the Basalt blocks into a furnace. You will also need a fuel source such as coal, charcoal, or any other combustible item.
- Smelting Process: Start the furnace, and wait for the Basalt to smelt. Once the process is complete, the Basalt will transform into Smooth Basalt.
- Collect Your Smooth Basalt: After smelting, simply collect your Smooth Basalt from the furnace.
This process allows you to craft a smoother variant of Basalt, which is often used for decorative purposes in building designs.
