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Diamonds are the strongest and rarest resource to have in Minecraft, and since it is used for crafting numerous tools, it's best to have as many in hand as possible. Diamonds are also considered the standard currency in several multiplayer servers, so using them to trade for Mending books or other items can save you a lot of time. Therefore, it is crucial to know where you can mine Diamonds efficiently.

Since the Caves and Cliffs update for Minecraft, the level where players can mine Diamonds have changed drastically. Additionally, with the recent 1.20 update, it is slightly tricky to figure out the precise location where players can find Diamonds. The levels above Y:-58 and the depths below until Y:-61 also generate an abundance of Deepslate Diamond Ore. For maximum efficiency when hunting for Diamonds, it is recommended that you focus on these levels.

Related
10 Best Seeds For Diamonds In Minecraft 1.20
In Minecraft 1.20, players can use seeds to generate worlds with rich veins of Diamond Ore, giving them access to rare Diamonds for crafting gear.

Minecraft 1.20 Update Diamond Levels

Hundreds of diamond blocks in Minecraft on an empty black field

You can mine Diamonds from two types of blocks: Diamond Ore and Deepslate Diamond Ore. You will likely mine most Diamonds from the Deepslate Ore, which can be time-consuming as it has 1.5x the Hardness of normal Stone. So the deeper you go, the more time it will take to mine Diamonds from Deepslate blocks. However, if you have the Efficiency Enchantment on your pickaxe, you will be able to mine Diamonds faster in Minecraft.

After digging down to Y:-53, the most optimal way to find Diamonds is by using the "branch" or "strip" mining technique in Minecraft. This method is carried out by mining two blocks - one at eye level and the one beneath - in a straight line and then branching off into other tunnels. Furthermore, there are multiple forms of strip mining. Check out the video below from Eyecraftmc on YouTube for some great Minecraft strip mining techniques:

You can repeat the strip-mining process at slightly higher levels. However, it is recommended to mine for Diamonds between levels Y:-58 and Y:-53, as you will likely find many veins of Diamond Ore between these levels.

Remember to carry a water bucket with you while mining for Diamonds in Minecraft! There's always a chance to could encounter pockets of lava while strip mining.

For example, you can mine in a straight line for a hundred or so blocks. Instead of digging down another whole set of paths along the walls, you can choose to mine only the blocks at eye level. This diamond mining approach allows players to expose the blocks above and below within a small hole.

On the other hand, you can also use the "trapdoor method," where you fit your character into a one-block hole using a trapdoor and continue strip mining. The clever trapdoor technique in Minecraft can save a good deal of time, but it requires you to carry trapdoors and can sometimes be challenging to pull off.

Other Diamond Locations in Minecraft 1.20

A Diamond hovering over a field in Minecraft

Apart from strip mining, you can also find Diamonds in other locations. They often appear in chests and can be found in unique locations in the Overworld, The End, and in the Nether. Chests which sometimes spawn Diamonds as rewards are usually found in:

Locations

Mineshafts

End City Chests

Shipwreck Treasure

Village Chests

Jungle Temple Chests

Stronghold Altar Chests

Fortress Chests

Desert Temple Chests

Buried Treasure

Once the wanted amount of Diamonds are acquired, you are free to use them to craft some of the strongest equipment and items Minecraft has to offer or trade them for rare items with other players. For players who are unsure of what to do with their newfound wealth, check out the video below from EthDo for some tips on the best uses for Diamonds in Minecraft:

Diamond Uses In Minecraft

A mine from Minecraft featuring stacks of Diamonds

As mentioned before, Diamonds are often used to upgrade tools such as the Pickaxe, Axe, and Shovel and trade with Villagers or other players. It can also be used to craft weapons such as a Diamond Sword for better durability and longevity. Additionally, you will also require Diamonds to craft an Enchanting table which can be used to enhance tools and weapons further. Here's everything players can craft using Diamonds in Minecraft:

Diamond Recipes

Diamond Axe

Diamond Pickaxe

Diamond Shovel

Diamond Shovel

Diamond Boots

Diamond Helmet

Diamond Armor

Diamond Hoe

Diamond Pants

Jukebox

Netherite Armor

Netherite Tools

Enchantment Table

Firework Star

Diamond Block

Sources: Youtube/Eyecraftmc, Youtube/EthDo

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Minecraft

Franchise
Minecraft
Platform(s)
Android , iOS , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation Vita , Wii U , Nintendo Switch , Nintendo 3DS
Released
November 18, 2011
Developer(s)
Mojang
Genre(s)
Sandbox , Adventure , Open-World
Publishers
Mojang Studios