Minecraft 1.19 Ore Distribution Explained (2022)

With the recent updates, the terrain generation and the biomes in Minecraft have gone through huge changes. Because of that, Minecraft ore distribution has also changed in many ways. So, we’re here to cover the locations, heights, and tips to find every ore in Minecraft 1.19. You can use the table below to explore each of them at your convenience.

What is Ore Distribution in Minecraft?

The world of Minecraft is divided into chunks, where each chunk is a set of 16 blocks on all directional axis. When the game renders the world, it is rendered one chunk at a time, and each chunk has its own ore generation system. This remains true for both Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions of the game. And the generation of ores across each of these chunks is known as ore distribution in Minecraft.
Though, more than chunks, the ore distribution is affected by the world heights. As of Minecraft 1.19, the world height reaches 320 blocks, and the bottommost point is at -64 blocks. So, if you know the preferable height for each ore, you can expect to find them within most chunks of the game at those particular world heights. However, in some cases, the biomes also play a role in ore generation. But more on that later.

Where Do Ores Generate in Minecraft 1.19?

With the basics out of the way, it’s time to address the big elephant in the room. We are going to cover each ore’s generation rules and the factors that affect them individually. Thanks to the developer’s notes and our testing, we have confirmed the heights to locate every ore in Minecraft. It hasn’t changed since the Caves & Cliffs Part 2 update, so you don’t have to worry too much if you are familiar with the last major update. With that, let’s learn how to find each ore in Minecraft 1.19. Note: The “Y” in the following descriptions refers to the world height, and each unit indicates one in-game block.

Diamonds

Putting an end to your anticipation, let’s first go over where to find diamonds in Minecraft. In Minecraft 1.19, diamond ore generates below Y=16 world height only. From there, the deeper you go, the higher are the chances of coming across diamonds. With that logic, the height of Y=-64 has the highest chance of spawning a deepslated diamond ore. Though, at this level, lava is also commonly found at almost every step. So, make sure to carry a Potion of Fire Resistance while you go mining.

Coal

Minecraft’s most efficient fuel generates between Y=256 and Y=0 world height. You can find it on top of mountains and even within caves. But if you want to amass it, it maximizes at Y=90.

Copper

Even though it’s not the most useful ore, copper is still pretty unique. So, if you want to experience it firsthand, you can find it below Y=112 and above Y=-16 world height. Its spawn rate is maximum at Y=48 world height. Moreover, it spawns more commonly in the dripstone caves biomes. So, you can use our best dripstone caves seeds to collect copper within minutes of spawning.

Iron

Whether you are a veteran player or a beginner, you can’t progress in Minecraft without a collection iron. This common and important ore generates between Y=-32 and Y=256. Though, finding it at the top of mountains isn’t easy. Instead, the most amount of iron generates at Y=16, which is where you should be looking as well.

Gold

The shiny gold ore generates most in the Badlands biome in the overworld. But irrespective of that, you can find it between levels Y=-64 and Y=32. The highest amount of gold ore is found at the Y=-16 in Minecraft 1.19. But if you somehow fail to find it, you can also create a nether portal to find gold in the Nether dimension. Here, its generation rate is much higher than the best spots of the overworld where more gold is generated in comparison to the overworld.

Restone

Redstone ore between Y=-32 and Y=-64, and its occurrence increase as you dig deeper. You can find maximum Redstone ore at Y=-64 in Minecraft 1.19.

Emerald

If you wish to trade with any type of villager in Minecraft, you need emeralds to get a good deal. In a way, it’s the currency of the game, and you can find it between Y=-16 and Y=256. Unlike most ores, emerald generation increases in the mountains, especially at a world height of Y=224.

Lapis Lazuli

If you want to use enchantments in Minecraft, you have to get lapis lazuli. But unfortunately, it is the rarest Minecraft ore in all of its biomes. Though, its generation range lies between Y= -64 and Y= 64. But if you want to try your luck, Y=0 is the best height to find lapis lazuli.

How to Find Netherite in Minecraft

Even though Netherite doesn’t spawn in the same terrain or same dimension as the other ores, it is still the strongest functional material in the game. Keeping that in mind, we have a dedicated guide that you can use to easily find Netherite in Minecraft. Though, you won’t have to worry about the Netherite until after you have discovered all the other ores in the game.

Biome-Based Minecraft Ore Generation

A few of the ores have special relations with some Minecraft biomes. Because of that, ore distribution changes in some circumstances. The biome-affected changes to ores include:

In the Badlands biome, Gold ore generates in higher quantities between Y=256 and Y=40 instead of its regular generation.You can find large veins of copper ores in dripstone caves easily. But such generation isn’t common in other biomes.Emerald ore is only generated in the mountain biomes. This is the only area exclusive ore in the game.

Ores in Deep Dark and Ancient Cities

With Minecraft 1.19, the caves of your worlds are now wider and more open than ever before. Because of that, the exposed ores are more common than ever before. So, instead of digging around yourself, you can just aim to find a huge deep dark biome to get a few interesting ores.
Moreover, you can also do the same in the new Ancient city in Minecraft 1.19. They are easier to navigate through than caves, and you can find most ores on the roof of these cities. For a head start, refer to our long list of best Ancient city seeds in Minecraft. Though, the height-based ore generation rules still apply here.

Explore the New Minecraft 1.19 Ore Distribution

With the knowledge of Minecraft 1.19 ore generation, you are ready to find all the ores you need in the game. And if you still need a push, our list of best Minecraft 1.19 seeds can lead you to a variety of lucky resourceful spawns. One of them even gets you diamond just seconds after spawning. Though, if you know how to use the best Minecraft commands, finding an ore might never be an issue. But even these in-game commands take a knee when the best Minecraft mods come into the picture.
However, most players avoid using commands and mods to keep the vanilla Minecraft experience alive. If you are among them, our guide to Minecraft’s enchantments can help your ore discovery journey without breaking the game’s rules. Having said that, don’t forget to share anything another ore finding tip that you discover within the new update in the comments section.