HOW TO FIND DIAMONDS IN MINECRAFT

BEST Y-LEVEL FOR DIAMONDS IN 1.21

Since the Caves & Cliffs update (1.18), diamond ore distribution changed dramatically. Diamonds now generate between Y-level -64 and Y-level 16, with the highest concentration at Y-level -59.

The deeper you go, the more diamonds you find. Unlike the old system where diamonds were evenly distributed below Y-16, the new triangular distribution means Y-59 is the sweet spot. Mining at this level gives you the best chance of finding diamond veins while avoiding the deepslate bedrock layer.

METHOD 1: STRIP MINING AT Y-59

Strip mining (or branch mining) remains one of the most reliable methods. Here's how to do it:

1. Dig down to Y-level -59 (press F3 to check coordinates in Java, or enable "Show Coordinates" in Bedrock settings)
2. Create a main tunnel 2 blocks high and 1 block wide
3. Every 2 blocks, dig a branch tunnel to the left or right
4. Continue extending branches at least 20 blocks each way
5. This pattern maximizes the blocks you can see while minimizing the blocks you need to mine

Pro tip: Bring plenty of torches, food, an iron or diamond pickaxe, and a water bucket for lava encounters. The Efficiency and Fortune III enchantments dramatically improve your mining speed and diamond yield.

METHOD 2: DEEP CAVE EXPLORATION

Since 1.18, the massive cave systems that generate deep underground are excellent for finding diamonds. Exploring these caves is faster than strip mining because exposed diamond ore is already visible on cave walls.

Look for large cave openings and follow them downward. Diamond ore can appear on any exposed surface in deep caves. Bring night vision potions or plenty of torches, as these caves can be enormous and dark.

METHOD 3: USE A DIAMOND FINDER (FASTEST)

The fastest way to find diamonds is using a seed-based Diamond Finder. Our Diamond Finder tool uses your world seed to calculate the exact coordinates of every diamond vein in your world.

1. Find your world seed: type /seed in Java or go to Settings > Game in Bedrock
2. Enter the seed in our Diamond Finder
3. Enter your current X and Z coordinates
4. Get exact diamond locations with X, Y, Z coordinates

This method works for both Java and Bedrock Edition and gives you precise locations, saving hours of blind mining.

DIAMOND MINING TIPS

• Fortune III - increases diamond drops from 1 to up to 4 per ore block
• Silk Touch - mine diamond ore blocks and smelt/Fortune them later
• Water bucket - essential for dealing with lava at deep levels
• Torch on left - place torches on the left wall so you always know which way leads back
• Check loot chests - desert temples, mineshafts, and end cities often contain diamonds

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS