
As of Minecraft 1.21.4, caving remains the best way to mine ore. However, knowing optimal Y levels will still only help! Today, we explore Minecraft ore by Y level, including where the most diamonds are typically found.
Minecraft Ore By Y Level
Overworld
Coal

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: 0 to 320
- Optimal Y Level: 45
Copper

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -16 to 112
- Optimal Y Level: 43
Iron

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -64 to 72
- Optimal Y Level: 14
Gold

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -64 to 32
- Optimal Y Level: -18
Emerald

- Biome: Cherry Grove, Frozen Peaks, Grove, Jagged Peaks, Meadow, Snowy Slopes, Stony Peaks, Windswept Forest, Windswept Gravelly Hills, Windswept Hills, and Windswept Forest
- Y Level Range: -16 to 320
- Optimal Y Level: 85
Lapis

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -64 to 64
- Optimal Y Level: -2
Redstone

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -64 to 16
- Optimal Y Level: -59
Diamond

- Biome: Any
- Y Level Range: -64 to 16
- Optimal Y Level: -59
Nether
Gold Nugget

- Biome: Any (Nether)
- Y Level Range: 1 to 116
- Optimal Y Level: 16 or 114
Quartz

- Biome: Any (Nether)
- Y Level Range: 1 to 127
- Optimal Y Level: 16 or 114
Ancient Debris

- Biome: Any (Nether)
- Y Level Range: 1 to 119
- Optimal Y Level: 16
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