What Can You do with Copper in Minecraft
Copper was first introduced into Minecraft during the Caves and Cliffs Update, version 1.17. Since then it has become a versatile and intriguing material for various uses. Copper is unique and has a feature that no other ore has, oxidation, this changes copper’s color over time allowing you to be more creative than ever.
Mining and Obtaining Copper
Copper ore is most commonly found between Y-levels 47 and 48, although it can spawn anywhere from Y-levels 0 – 96. To prevent any wasted time and to maximize your mining efficiency, mine in areas such as the Dripstone Caves where copper is most abundant.
You also will want to make sure you have at least an iron pickaxe, as wood and stone will not drop copper ore.
Tools and Enchantments
To increase the amount of raw copper being dropped from each ore block, use a pickaxe with the Fortune enchantment Fortune III is the highest level and this will provide you with the fastest yield.
To mine faster use a pickaxe with Efficiency, and if you’re worried about the durability of your pick, Unbreaking and Mending will solve that for you.
Smelting Copper Ore
Just like most ores, raw copper cannot be crafted with or turned into other items, so it needs to be smelted into copper ingots. You can use either a furnace or a blast furnace, with the latter being faster.
When smelting raw copper, you will get one copper ingot per piece which can used a for a ton of copper-based items in the game.
Crafting with Copper
Along with the introduction of copper, there is also the introduction of a bunch of new recipes and crafts that you can do with it. These include copper blocks, lightning rods, spyglasses, and more.
Copper Blocks
Copper blocks can be used for building and decoration and require nine copper ingots to be crafted. You just fill up the 3×3 grid of a crafting table with copper ingots and you’ll have one copper block.
These blocks have a cool unique feature with them where they will oxidize if left out. The will slowly change from a bright orange to a dull green. If you’d rather not have your copper blocks oxidize you can wax them, but we’ll talk about this later.
Cut Copper Blocks
In order to make cut copper blocks you will need four copper blocks or thirty-six copper ingots, just place the four copper blocks into a 2×2 square to create four cut copper blocks.
These blocks also will oxidize over time and can also be waxed to prevent the oxidization. Cut copper can also be transformed into various forms, such as slabs and stairs to add more versatility in your building projects.
Lightning Rods
Lightning rods are a functional item that can be crafted by placing three copper ingots in a vertical line on a crafting table grid. These rods will attract lightning strikes within a 64-block radius if you’re playing in Java, or a 128-block radius if you’re playing in Bedrock.
They are extremely useful for protecting wooden or other flammable structures from catching fire during thunderstorms and can also be used in Redstone contraptions.
Spyglasses
The spyglass is a tool the is crafted with one amethyst shard and two copper ingots. You place these three items in a vertical line with the amethyst shard on top and the two copper ingots on the bottom two spaces.
A spyglass will allow you to zoom in on distant objects, making it useful for exploring new areas or keeping an eye out for mobs.
Copper Oxidation Mechanics
Copper’s most unique feature is the ability to oxidize over time. Copper blocks will slowly change from their copper color to a greenish hue if they are exposed to the elements.
This process happens in four separate stages, copper, exposed copper, weather copper, and oxidized copper. Each stage has a unique and distinct appearance allowing you to have a range of aesthetic options for your builds.
Controlling Oxidation
If you would like to keep your copper blocks in a specific stage of oxidation or prevent it altogether, you can wax your blocks. Waxing is performed by using a honeycomb on a copper block, which locks it in its current state.
This is especially useful when you’re using copper in a build and want it to stay at whatever color stage its at without it changing over time.
Reversing Oxidation
If you change your mind about how far along you want your copper to oxidize or you accidentally let it go to far you can easily reverse this process with an axe.
Just scrape the block to remove one stage of oxidation. This is very useful when you’re maintaining or adjusting the appearance of your copper builds.
Copper in Redstone and Automation
While copper doesn’t directly interact with redstone like some other materials do, it can be incorporated into redstone circuits in other various ways. Such as with lightning rods or with aesthetics.
Lightning Rods in Redstone Automation
Lightning rods can be used to automate certain processes.
For example, you could set up a circuit where when lightning strikes, it triggers a redstone signal, which activates a series of pistons or dispensers. This could be used to create traps or even automate parts of your base. Mechanics.
Advanced Redstone Builds with Copper
Copper blocks can be used within a redstone contraption to add to the aesthetics and give your build a more industrial or steampunk look.
Copper’s oxidation process adds a dynamic element to these builds, making them more ages or weathered over time, which can be appealing if you are in a themed world or large server.
Building with Copper
As always with every new item that gets added into Minecraft, new creative ideas and builds from players gets created as well.
With the addition of copper you can make new architectural designs, new industrial or steampunk looks, and new roofing and exterior builds.
Architectural Design
Copper is an amazing material which can add tons of new detail and color to your builds. With the new oxidation ability this allows for an incredible range of color options, which can be used as highlights or gradients to your structures.
It also fits will into various architectural styles such as steampunk or rustic designs.
Combining Copper with Other Materials
Because of copper’s different colors it is able to merge well with a variety of other materials. Such as with copper and stone or brick you can create a strong, industrial look, whereas when pairing it with wood you can add more warmth and contrast to your build.
The more you experiment with different combinations, whether with a small house, or a giant castle, you can let your creativity shine.
Copper Roofs and Exteriors
One of the current most popular uses for copper in Minecraft is in roofing and exterior details. As copper goes through its oxidation phases, it transitions through a multitude of colors, which can create a stunning gradient effect on roofs or walls.
You can wax the copper to control the oxidation process to make your roofs look more aged, or keep it natural and have it age over time.
Conclusion
Copper is one of Minecraft’s most unique and versatile materials, offering a blend of a variety of uses. Copper provides endless possibilities for enhancing your gameplay.
By learning how to use copper to its fullest potential you can create stunning builds, protect your structures, and even automate Redstone processes.
