Emeralds are the rarest ore in Minecraft (even rarer than diamonds). They can be exchanged with villagers for really nice and useful items. This article will teach you how to find these gems while playing.
Steps
Step 1. Look for an extreme hill biome
This is the only biome where emeralds can be found. They are quite common, so you won't have to look far.
Step 2. Dig a staircase to level 11
Do not dig directly below yourself, or you may fall into lava. Emeralds can be found anywhere from levels 4 to 32, but level 11 is the best. To find out what level you are on, press F3 and look for the y coordinate.
Step 3. Dig in a straight line, placing torches to light the way, or make small tunnels that branch off from the main tunnel
Step 4. Once you find one, dig around it to ensure there is no lava
The emerald can fall into it and disappear.
Step 5. Mine the emerald if there is no lava
Grab the reward and exit the mine or keep looking for more.
Place blocks around the emerald to prevent it from falling into the lava
Tips
- Look for emeralds in caves instead of digging the tunnels themselves.
- When finding a cave, there are two options: search inside it or mine in a different direction to avoid it.
- Villagers often pay for goods with emeralds. Visit a village to find out what goods they want and create, find or mine whatever is required to trade.
- Emeralds can also be found in chests in a dungeon with a Mob Generator, Jungle Temples and Desert Temples.
Notices
- Watch out for lava. Never dig straight down and always be careful.
- Don't steal emeralds from friends. It never ends well.