How to make Crying Obsidian in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft crying obsidian with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, crying obsidian is a new block that was introduced in the Nether Update. This block looks like obisidian, but glows purple and release purple particles. It is usually found in (or near) the frame of a Ruined Portal but it is not actually a valid portal frame block.

crying obsidian

Let's explore how to make crying obsidian.

Supported Platforms

Crying obsidian is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

Platform	Supported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	Yes (1.16)
Pocket Edition (PE)	Yes (1.16.0)
Xbox 360	No
Xbox One	Yes (1.16.0)
PS3	No
PS4	Yes (1.16.0)
Wii U	No
Nintendo Switch	Yes (1.16.0)
Windows 10 Edition	Yes (1.16.0)
Education Edition	Yes (1.17.30)

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Where to find Crying Obsidian in Creative Mode

Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	1.16 - 1.19	Building Blocks
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	1.19.3 - 1.20	Natural Blocks
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	1.19.3 - 1.20	Functional Blocks

Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE)

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Pocket Edition (PE)	1.16.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Xbox Editions

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Xbox One	1.16.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft PS Editions

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
PS4	1.16.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Nintendo

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Nintendo Switch	1.16.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Windows 10 Edition

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Windows 10 Edition	1.16.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Education Edition

Here is where you can find crying obsidian in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Education Edition	1.17.30	Nature

Definitions

Platform is the platform that applies.
Version(s) is the Minecraft version numbers where the item can be found in the menu location listed (we have tested and confirmed this version number).
Creative Menu Location is the location of the item in the Creative Inventory menu.

How to get Crying Obsidian in Survival Mode

You can add obsidian to your inventory in Survival mode by finding a Ruined Portal and mining the crying obisidian from it. So let's get started!

1. Find Ruined Portal

First, you need to find a Ruined Portal in your Minecraft world.

A Ruined Portal is a structure that spawns naturally in the game. It looks like the remains of a Nether Portal with pieces of it missing. It can be found in all biomes in both the Overworld and the Nether dimensions.

Ruined Portal in the Overworld

ruined portal in overworld

Ruined Portal in the Nether

ruined portal in nether

TIP: Ruined Portals can be found anywhere including underground or underwater.

2. Locate a Block of Crying Obsidian

Next, look for a block of crying obsidian somewhere in the Ruined Portal structure. It is generally found in the frame of the Ruined Portal, but it may also be laying on the ground somewhere near the structure.

Crying obsidian is easy to spot because it will be glowing purple and releasing purple particles (compared to obsidian).

ruined portal and crying obsidian

In the above picture, you can see crying obsidian on the right side of the broken portal frame.

TIP: Not every Ruined Portal will have crying obsidian, so look for another Ruined Portal if the first one does not have any.

3. Hold a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe

Next, you will need a diamond pickaxe or netherite pickaxe to mine the crying obsidian. Select the pickaxe in your hotbar so that you are holding it in your hand.

How to make a Netherite Pickaxe

How to make a Diamond Pickaxe

In this tutorial, we are going to use a diamond pickaxe to mine the crying obsidian.

crying obsidian and pickaxe

4. Mine the Crying Obsidian

The game control to mine the crying obsidian depends on the version of Minecraft:

For Java Edition (PC/Mac), left click and hold on the crying obsidian.
For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap and hold on the crying obsidian.
For Xbox One, press and hold the RT button on the Xbox controller.
For PS4, press and hold the R2 button on the PS controller.
For Nintendo Switch, press and hold the ZR button on the controller.
For Windows 10 Edition, left click and hold on the crying obsidian.
For Education Edition, left click and hold on the crying obsidian.

crying obsidian drop

You will need to continue to mine until the crying obsidian block breaks and a smaller crying obsidian finally appears. The crying obsidian will float on the ground.

5. Pick up the Crying Obsidian

Make sure you pick up the crying obsidian before it disappears.

crying obsidian gathered

Once you pick up the crying obsidian, it will appear in your hotbar.

crying obsidian

Congratulations, you have made crying obsidian in Minecraft!