Can You Craft Crying Obsidian in Minecraft? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, you cannot directly craft crying obsidian in Minecraft. Unlike some blocks that can be assembled from raw materials using a crafting table, crying obsidian has to be sourced from the world around you. Let’s delve into where you can find this unique block and its various uses.
Understanding Crying Obsidian
Crying obsidian is a variant of obsidian that, as the name suggests, emits purple “tears.” These tears provide a subtle light source and visually distinguish it from regular obsidian. More importantly, crying obsidian possesses unique properties that set it apart in terms of gameplay and crafting.
Sources of Crying Obsidian
Since you can’t craft it, where do you get it? Here are the primary ways to acquire crying obsidian:
- Ruined Portals: These partially destroyed structures, found in both the Nether and the Overworld, are the most reliable source of crying obsidian. Explore around these ruins, and you’re likely to find some embedded in the portal frame.
- Bartering with Piglins: If you’re brave enough to venture into the Nether, you can barter with Piglins. Throw a gold ingot at them, and they might reward you with crying obsidian amongst other items. The randomness of bartering makes this less reliable than finding ruined portals.
- Loot Chests: While rare, crying obsidian can occasionally be found in loot chests within certain structures. These chests might be in bastions or other generated structures, offering a small chance of obtaining the block.
Unique Properties and Uses
Crying obsidian boasts several key properties and uses:
- Blast Resistance: Like regular obsidian, crying obsidian has a high blast resistance, making it useful for constructing structures that need to withstand explosions.
- Respawn Anchor: This is arguably the most important use of crying obsidian. When combined with glowstone, it’s used to craft the Respawn Anchor, a block that allows players to set a respawn point in the Nether. However, unlike beds, Respawn Anchors must be charged with glowstone to function.
- Decoration: The distinctive “tears” that crying obsidian emits make it a visually appealing decorative block. It can add a unique aesthetic to builds, especially those with a Nether theme.
- Ender Chest Modification Consideration: An interesting idea floated among the Minecraft community is a “crying” ender chest, made with crying obsidian, that offers upgraded capabilities. This is a concept that demonstrates how the community continuously comes up with exciting concepts.
- Enchanting Table Upgrade Consideration: Similar to the Ender Chest idea, there are discussions around utilizing crying obsidian to create a superior enchanting table, offering more potent enchantments but requiring more resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about crying obsidian in Minecraft:
1. Can you convert normal obsidian into crying obsidian?
No, there is currently no way to convert normal obsidian into crying obsidian through any in-game mechanic.
2. Can you craft a Nether portal with crying obsidian?
No, you cannot create a functional Nether portal solely with crying obsidian. While a portal frame can be built with it, the portal will not activate. You must use regular obsidian for a working Nether portal. Interestingly, Nether portals built with or containing crying obsidian do work, but only half way, where they do not generate an exit portal, and do not link up to any pre-existing portals.
3. What happens if you mix crying obsidian and regular obsidian in a Nether portal frame?
A portal frame made partially with crying obsidian and partially with regular obsidian will not activate. The entire frame needs to be made of regular obsidian to function as a Nether portal.
4. Can crying obsidian be used to make an Ender chest?
As of now, you cannot craft an Ender chest with crying obsidian. An Ender chest requires regular obsidian. However, there is a community suggestion to introduce a “Crying Ender Chest” crafted with crying obsidian, potentially offering unique features.
5. Is crying obsidian stronger than regular obsidian?
Currently, both obsidian and crying obsidian have the same hardness value of 50, meaning they require diamond or netherite tools to mine efficiently and have the same blast resistance.
6. How do you get crying obsidian easily?
The easiest way to obtain crying obsidian is by exploring Ruined Portals. They consistently contain crying obsidian blocks.
7. Can you dye crying obsidian?
No, you cannot dye crying obsidian. Its color and “tears” are fixed.
8. Does Fortune enchantment affect crying obsidian drops?
The Fortune enchantment does not affect crying obsidian drops. You will always receive one block per mined block, regardless of the enchantment.
9. What is the blast resistance of crying obsidian?
Crying obsidian has a blast resistance of 1200, the same as regular obsidian. This makes it a very strong building material against explosions.
10. What happens if you break crying obsidian near a Piglin?
Breaking crying obsidian near a Piglin will not provoke them. Piglins are angered by breaking gold blocks or opening chests in certain areas, but they don’t react to crying obsidian.
11. Can you smelt crying obsidian?
No, you cannot smelt crying obsidian into any other item.
12. Can crying obsidian be used in a beacon?
No, crying obsidian cannot be used as part of the base for a beacon. The base must be made of iron, gold, emerald, diamond, or netherite blocks.
13. Is crying obsidian renewable?
Yes, crying obsidian is technically renewable through Piglins bartering, although the rate at which you obtain it this way is variable.
14. Can you silk touch crying obsidian?
Yes, you can use a silk touch pickaxe to obtain crying obsidian. This is the standard way to mine the block.
15. Where can I learn more about Minecraft game mechanics?
There are many resources available to learn more about Minecraft. One excellent resource is the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the educational aspects of gaming and game design.
Conclusion
While you can’t craft crying obsidian, it’s a valuable and unique block that adds depth to Minecraft’s gameplay. Finding it in Ruined Portals, trading for it with Piglins, and utilizing it for Respawn Anchors offers exciting gameplay opportunities. So, venture out, explore the world, and discover the secrets hidden within the “tears” of crying obsidian!