What is Copper Used for in Minecraft? A Detailed Overview of the New Ore and Its Uses

By Spencer Whitworth | September 18, 2023

So you're diving into the pixelated realms of Minecraft and you've stumbled upon copper ore. What's the deal with this shiny new addition? Copper, a versatile metal found in various biomes, has multiple uses that go beyond mere decoration. From crafting lightning rods to protect your base from lightning strikes, to creating a spyglass for better vision, this guide will unravel the mystery of what copper is used for in Minecraft. Stay tuned!

What is Copper Used for in Minecraft? A Detailed Overview of the New Ore and Its Uses

Key Takeaways:

  • Construction and Crafting: Use copper for building structures, crafting lightning rods, and making spyglasses.
  • Oxidation and Preservation: Copper blocks age and turn green, but waxing halts this process.
  • Finding Copper: Raw copper ore is commonly found underground, especially beneath beaches.

What is Copper Used for in Minecraft?

So you've been mining away in those caves and stumbled upon some shiny copper ore. Copper in Minecraft isn't just a pretty block; it's got some real utility.

Copper Blocks

The Copper Block, the first thing you'll likely craft with your freshly smelted ingots. It's not just for show; it has its uses.

Crafting Copper Blocks

To craft a Copper Block, you'll need 9 Copper Ingots. Place them in the crafting grid, and voila, you've got yourself a Copper Block. Simple, right?

Copper Block Types

Now, these blocks come in different flavors. You've got your standard Copper Block, and then you've got Cut Copper, which is, well, cut. Each has its own aesthetic appeal, so choose wisely.

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Weathering Copper

Over time, your shiny Copper Blocks will start to oxidize, turning a lovely shade of green. It's like watching your blocks age gracefully.

Waxing Copper

Don't want your Copper Blocks to age? No worries. Just slap some honeycomb on it, and it'll stay as good as new. This is what we call wax preservation.

Lightning Rods

Ever had your wooden house set ablaze by a stray lightning strike? Yeah, it's a bummer. Enter the Lightning Rod.

Making Lightning Rods

Crafting a Lightning Rod is a piece of cake. Three Copper Ingots in a vertical line on your crafting table, and you're set. Place it on your house, and you're lightning-proof.

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Charged Creeper Farm

Ever wondered how to make your Creeper farm even more electrifying? Copper can be a game-changer here. It's not just for decoration or crafting spyglasses; it's also pivotal in creating a Charged Creeper Farm.

Crafting a Creeper Farm

  1. Mine Copper Ore: First, grab your pickaxe and head to the caves. Look for copper ore, which has a distinct turquoise and orange pattern.

  2. Smelt the Ore: Use a furnace to smelt the ore into copper ingots.

  3. Craft Lightning Rods: Use three copper ingots to craft a lightning rod.

  4. Installation: Place the lightning rods around your Creeper farm. When lightning strikes, it will turn the Creepers into Charged Creepers.

Spyglass

The spyglass—a miner's best friend for scouting those hard-to-see ores in distant caves.

Crafting a Spyglass

  1. Gather Materials: You'll need two copper ingots and one amethyst shard.

  2. Crafting Grid: Place the two copper ingots vertically and the amethyst shard on top in the crafting grid.

  3. Voila!: You've got yourself a spyglass. Use it to zoom into distant objects or find hidden biomes.

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Copper Ingots

Copper ingots are the bread and butter of many crafting recipes, from lightning rods to spyglasses and decorative blocks.

  1. Smelting: Once you've mined copper ore, smelt it in a furnace to get copper ingots.

  2. Crafting: Use these ingots in various crafting recipes, from tools to decorative blocks.

  3. Electrical Circuits: While copper can't be used to make weapons or armor, it's essential for crafting items that interact with redstone, adding a new layer to your power circuits.

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Finding Copper Ore

The thrill of the hunt! You're after copper ore, aren't you? Well, you're in luck. This stuff is practically everywhere between Y=0 and Y=96. But if you're keen on efficiency, aim for around Y=47 or 48. It's like the universe conspired to stash it there. Grab a stone pickaxe or better, and you're golden—or should I say, copper?

Drowned for Copper

Now, if you're the adventurous type, why not try your luck with drowned? These underwater zombies are more than just a nuisance; they're a copper goldmine! You'll find them lurking in ocean and river biomes, except those warm ocean ones. 

Light level seven or less, and you're in drowned territory. Dive in where the water is at least two blocks deep, and you might just hit the jackpot. Most common below Y=58 and near ocean monuments. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in!

 

What Are the Tools and Weapons that Can Be Made with Copper in Minecraft?

Copper can be used to make a few unique tools in Minecraft, but it cannot be used to create armor or weapons. Copper tools have a higher number of uses and a slightly higher enchantability than stone tools. Copper tools include a copper axe, a copper pickaxe, and a copper sword.

Conclusion

Copper isn't just a shiny new toy in Minecraft; it's a game-changer. From crafting unique items to adding a new layer of strategy, copper has carved its niche. So, grab your pickaxe and get to work!

FAQs

Is Iron better than copper in Minecraft?

Copper and iron serve different purposes in Minecraft, so one isn't necessarily better than the other. While you can't craft armor or weapons with copper like you can with iron, copper is useful for making items like spyglasses, lightning rods, and decorative blocks.