How to Break Crying Obsidian in Minecraft: A Miner’s Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon the intriguing, light-emitting block known as crying obsidian in Minecraft. Its distinctive weeping texture and subtle glow make it a unique addition to any build. But breaking it – that’s where things get tricky. The essential answer is: you can only effectively harvest crying obsidian using a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe. Anything else will be a frustrating waste of time. Let’s delve into the specifics and explore the fascinating world of crying obsidian.

The Pickaxe Prerequisite

To successfully break and obtain a block of crying obsidian, you absolutely need either a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe. While you can technically chip away at it with your bare hands or a lesser pickaxe (stone, iron, gold, or wood), you won’t actually receive the block. It’s a slow, disheartening process that yields nothing but disappointment.

Think of it like trying to cut a diamond with a butter knife. Technically, you can scratch the diamond, but you’re not going to make any significant progress, nor are you going to be able to acquire it properly. The same principle applies to crying obsidian.

Diamond vs. Netherite: Is There a Difference?

While both pickaxes will successfully break crying obsidian, the netherite pickaxe is the superior tool. Here’s why:

• Durability: Netherite tools have significantly higher durability than diamond tools. This means you can mine more crying obsidian (and other materials) before needing to repair your pickaxe.
• Efficiency: Netherite pickaxes mine slightly faster than diamond pickaxes, allowing for quicker acquisition of resources.
• Enchantability: Both diamond and netherite pickaxes can be enchanted, but netherite’s inherent advantages are further amplified by enchantments like Efficiency, Fortune, and Unbreaking.
• Netherite’s Unique Properties: Netherite tools also float in lava, preventing accidental losses in the Nether. While this doesn’t directly impact breaking crying obsidian, it’s a valuable asset in the dangerous environment where crying obsidian is often found.

In short, if you have access to netherite, always opt for the netherite pickaxe. It’s the most efficient and reliable tool for the job.

Time to Break: A Comparative Look

The time it takes to break crying obsidian depends on the tool you are using and its enchantments:

• Hand: Approximately 250 seconds (and you won’t get the block).
• Wooden, Stone, Iron, or Gold Pickaxe: Between 21.85 and 125 seconds (and still no block).
• Diamond Pickaxe: Approximately 9.4 seconds (without enchantments).
• Netherite Pickaxe: Approximately 8.4 seconds (without enchantments).

Enchantments like Efficiency can significantly reduce these times. An Efficiency V diamond or netherite pickaxe will break crying obsidian almost instantaneously.

Where to Find Crying Obsidian

Crying obsidian isn’t just lying around in abundance. Here are the primary sources:

• Ruined Portals: These dilapidated structures, found in both the Overworld and the Nether, often contain crying obsidian as part of their crumbling framework. This is a reliable and accessible source, especially early in the game.
• Bastion Remnants: These imposing Nether structures sometimes contain crying obsidian within their walls or treasure rooms. However, bastions are extremely dangerous and should only be approached with caution.
• Piglin Bartering: By trading gold ingots with Piglins in the Nether, you have a chance (approximately 9%) of receiving crying obsidian. This is a renewable source, but it’s also reliant on luck.

Uses for Crying Obsidian

Once you’ve successfully mined some crying obsidian, what can you do with it? Its primary use is in the crafting of respawn anchors. These devices allow you to set a respawn point in the Nether, which is crucial for extended exploration and survival in that perilous dimension. Respawn anchors require glowstone to function and will explode if used in the Overworld.

Crying obsidian is also a decorative block due to its unique texture and light emission. It adds a touch of mystique and otherworldliness to any build.

FAQs: All About Crying Obsidian

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your knowledge of crying obsidian:

1. Can you make a Nether portal with crying obsidian?

No, you cannot create a functioning Nether portal using crying obsidian. Nether portals require regular obsidian to form the frame. While portals built with or containing crying obsidian do work in early versions of the game, but only half way. They don’t generate an exit portal, and don’t link up to any pre-existing portals.

2. Is crying obsidian harder to break than regular obsidian?

No. Both obsidian and crying obsidian have a hardness of 50, and therefore the same blast resistance of 1,200. They require a diamond or netherite pickaxe to be harvested.

3. Can the Ender Dragon destroy crying obsidian?

No, the Ender Dragon cannot destroy crying obsidian. Like regular obsidian, it’s a blast-resistant block.

4. Can pistons move crying obsidian?

No, crying obsidian cannot be moved by pistons.

5. Does crying obsidian attract mobs?

No, crying obsidian does not attract mobs. No specific block attracts mobs.

6. Can you break crying obsidian without a pickaxe at all?

You can technically damage crying obsidian with your bare hands, but it will take an extremely long time (around 250 seconds) and you won’t receive the block.

7. Can you use crying obsidian to power a beacon?

No, crying obsidian cannot be used as a base for a beacon. Beacons require obsidian, netherrack, emerald blocks, gold blocks, diamond blocks, or iron blocks as a base.

8. What is the blast resistance of crying obsidian?

Crying obsidian has a blast resistance of 1,200, making it highly resistant to explosions.

9. What’s the best way to get a lot of crying obsidian quickly?

The most efficient method is to find a large ruined portal in the Nether. Bring a diamond or netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V enchantment for rapid harvesting. Piglin bartering can also be used for a renewable supply.

10. Is crying obsidian rarer than regular obsidian?

Crying obsidian is generally considered rarer than regular obsidian, as it is only found in specific structures or through bartering.

11. Can you break crying obsidian with TNT?

No. Like regular obsidian, crying obsidian’s high blast resistance makes it immune to TNT explosions.

12. What is gilded blackstone, and how is it related to crying obsidian?

Gilded blackstone is a decorative block found in bastion remnants in the Nether. Piglins value it, and breaking it near them will provoke them. It’s not directly related to crying obsidian, but both are Nether-exclusive blocks.

13. What happens if you try to sleep in a bed near a respawn anchor powered by crying obsidian?

Sleeping in a bed near a powered respawn anchor will cause the bed to explode, likely killing the player. Respawn anchors are designed for Nether respawning only.

14. Can you use crying obsidian in a build that’s near a Wither?

You can use crying obsidian in a build near a wither but you have to be careful. The wither is the only mob in the game that can break obsidian.

15. Are there any educational aspects to Minecraft related to materials like crying obsidian?

Absolutely! Minecraft, and blocks like crying obsidian, promote problem-solving, resource management, and spatial reasoning skills. The Games Learning Society explores these educational applications and how games can enhance learning. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

Breaking crying obsidian is straightforward once you know the essential requirement: a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Understanding its uses, where to find it, and its unique properties will elevate your Minecraft experience and allow you to harness its power in the Nether and beyond. Happy mining!