Copper in Minecraft is one of the more unique ores, introduced in the Caves & Cliffs update (1.17). While it might not be as essential as iron or diamond, it has some interesting uses that make it a valuable resource for builders and redstone enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to build a stylish oxidizing copper roof or craft a spyglass to spot mobs from a distance, copper has its place in the game.

Let’s break down what copper is used for in Minecraft, how to find it, and how to prevent (or encourage) its oxidation!

Where to Find Copper in Minecraft

Before you start crafting with copper, you’ll need to mine it first! Copper ore can be found underground between Y-levels 112 and -16, with the best levels for mining being Y=47 and Y=48.

How to Obtain Copper:

  1. Mine Copper Ore – Use at least a stone pickaxe to break the ore and collect Raw Copper.
  2. Smelt Raw Copper – Place it in a furnace or blast furnace to turn it into Copper Ingots.
  3. Loot from Drowned – Drowned mobs (zombie variants found in water) have an 11% chance to drop copper ingots when killed.

Pro Tip: Mining copper in dripstone caves is a great way to collect large amounts of ore quickly!

What is Copper Used for in Minecraft?

Now that you’ve collected some copper, what can you do with it? Here are all the Minecraft copper uses you need to know!

Building and Decoration

One of the main uses for copper is as a decorative block. Copper blocks can oxidize over time, gradually turning from bright orange to green, similar to how real-life copper reacts to the elements.

Types of Copper Blocks:

  • Block of Copper (crafted with 9 copper ingots)
  • Cut Copper (crafted from copper blocks)
  • Cut Copper Stairs & Slabs (perfect for rooftops!)
  • Chiseled Copper (new in 1.21, great for detailed builds)
  • Copper Doors, Trapdoors & Grates (also new in 1.21)

How to Control Oxidation:

  • To stop oxidation → Wax copper blocks using honeycomb.
  • To remove oxidation → Use an axe to scrape off one stage of oxidation.
  • To speed up oxidation → Place copper blocks at least 4 blocks apart.

Crafting a Lightning Rod

A lightning rod is a must-have if you want to protect your wooden builds from being burned down during a storm.

How to craft:

  • 3 Copper Ingots placed in a vertical line on a crafting table.

Lightning Rod Features:

  • Attracts lightning within 128 blocks (Java Edition) or 64 blocks (Bedrock Edition).
  • Prevents fires in flammable structures.
  • Generates a redstone signal when struck (can be used in redstone circuits!).

Fun Fact: You can use a lightning rod to remove oxidation from nearby copper blocks!

Crafting a Spyglass

If you want to zoom in and see faraway mobs, structures, or landscapes, a spyglass is the perfect tool.

How to craft:

  • 2 Copper Ingots
  • 1 Amethyst Shard

How to use it:

  • Equip the spyglass and right-click (or use the trigger button on consoles) to zoom in.

Did you know? The spyglass works similarly to the Optifine Zoom mod but is built into the game!

Crafting a Copper Bulb (1.21 Update)

The copper bulb is a light source that becomes dimmer as it oxidizes.

How to craft:

  • 3 Copper Blocks
  • 1 Blaze Rod
  • 1 Redstone Dust

Use Case: Perfect for dynamic lighting systems where you want your base to gradually dim over time!

Crafting a Brush (for Archaeology)

With the Archaeology system, players can excavate Suspicious Sand and Gravel for rare loot using a brush.

How to craft:

  • 1 Copper Ingot
  • 1 Feather
  • 1 Stick

Pro Tip: Use a brush at desert temples and ocean ruins to discover pottery shards and hidden loot!

Armor Trims (Cosmetic Use)

Copper is also used to customize your armor trims in Minecraft 1.20+.

How to use:

  • Combine an armor piece, a smithing template, and a copper ingot in the smithing table to apply a copper-colored design.

Customization Tip: Copper armor trims pair well with netherite or diamond armor for a stylish, steampunk aesthetic!

While copper isn’t the most powerful material in Minecraft, it adds depth to the game’s building mechanics, crafting, and redstone possibilities. Whether you’re protecting your base with a lightning rod, zooming in with a spyglass, or creating unique oxidized builds, copper is a fun and versatile material worth collecting!

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At Shockbyte, we think you will also like the following blogs:

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  3. Where to Find Iron in Minecraft: Best Locations and Mining Tips

Are you using copper in your Minecraft builds? Let us know in the comments!

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