Lots of new blocks and items were added in the Caves and Cliffs update, and now we’re going to look at how to get copper. This new ore has a variety of different uses, and even adds to some unique game mechanics, so getting your hands on this stuff can be a treat.
How do I get copper?
Copper, like most other ores, tends to build up anywhere in the subterranean layer. It requires at least a stone pickaxe to be mined, a wooden or gold one won’t be good enough. Once broken, 2-3 pieces of raw copper will fall out, which can then be melted into copper bars. The lucky enchantment affects this drop rate and can be used to get more raw copper per ore block. Silk Touch can also be used to collect the ore block yourself.
What can copper be used for?
The main use of copper is in the manufacture of copper blocks. Nine ingots in a crafting table make a block of it, and a stonemason can be used to get a cut variant of the block. Both variants can then be processed into stairs and slabs. After being laid down, they begin to weather over time and turn greener in color. This means that anything built with them will eventually show its age once enough time has passed. This process can be stopped by making the honeycomb blocks or by right-clicking on the honeycomb blocks directly.
The other two uses of this new ore are that it can be used to make two new items, the lightning rod and the binoculars. The lightning rod acts like lightning rods, attracting lightning that can be used to protect buildings from stray bolts that could set things on fire. With binoculars, on the other hand, you can zoom in on everything you see, but with a drastically reduced field of view.
Minecraft is now available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.