Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players learning crafting basics and anyone building nether portals or blast-resistant structures.
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The Basic Method: Water Meets Lava
Creating obsidian in Minecraft requires a simple but precise interaction between water and lava source blocks. When flowing water touches a lava source block, it transforms that lava into obsidian. This black, volcanic glass becomes one of the strongest blocks in the game.
Step-by-Step Obsidian Creation
Start by gathering a water bucket and locating lava sources. You can find lava pools naturally in caves, ravines, or the Nether, or create your own lava source by placing lava from a bucket.
Position yourself safely near the lava source block. Pour water adjacent to or above the lava source – the flowing water will immediately convert the lava into obsidian upon contact. The key is ensuring the lava is a source block, not flowing lava, as flowing lava creates cobblestone instead.
Mining Your New Obsidian
Once formed, obsidian requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe to harvest. Using any other tool will destroy the block without dropping anything. Mining obsidian takes approximately 9.4 seconds with a diamond pickaxe, making it one of the slowest blocks to break.
Efficient Obsidian Farming Setup
For larger quantities, create a controlled environment. Dig a small pit and place lava source blocks in a line. Use water buckets to systematically convert each lava source, then collect the water before mining. This method prevents accidental flooding and maximizes your obsidian yield.
Some players prefer the “cast” method – creating a mold with blocks, filling it with lava sources, then flooding with water to create multiple obsidian blocks simultaneously.
Safety Tips and Common Mistakes
Always carry fire resistance potions when working near lava. Avoid standing directly above lava sources when pouring water, as you might fall through. Remember that water evaporates in the Nether, so obsidian farming there requires ice blocks that melt into water sources.
Never use flowing lava – this creates cobblestone instead of obsidian. Double-check that your lava sources are actual source blocks by observing their still, non-flowing appearance.
Master this fundamental technique and you’ll have endless obsidian for nether portals, enchanting tables, and blast-resistant builds in your Minecraft adventures.
TL;DR
Pour water onto lava source blocks to create obsidian, then mine it with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Avoid flowing lava as it creates cobblestone instead.
