How to make Copper Ore in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft copper ore with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, copper ore is a new item that was introduced in the Caves & Cliffs Update: Part I. Copper ore is an item that you can not make with a crafting table or furnace. Instead, you need to find and gather this item in the game.

copper ore

Let's explore how to add copper ore to your inventory.

Supported Platforms

Copper ore is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

Platform	Supported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	Yes (1.17)
Pocket Edition (PE)	Yes (1.17.0)
Xbox 360	No
Xbox One	Yes (1.17.0)
PS3	No
PS4	Yes (1.17.0)
Wii U	No
Nintendo Switch	Yes (1.17.0)
Windows 10 Edition	Yes (1.17.0)
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 Copper Ore in Creative Mode

Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	1.17 - 1.19	Building Blocks
Java Edition (PC/Mac)	1.19.3 - 1.20	Natural Blocks

Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE)

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Pocket Edition (PE)	1.17.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Xbox Editions

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Xbox One	1.17.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft PS Editions

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
PS4	1.17.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Nintendo

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Nintendo Switch	1.17.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Windows 10 Edition

Here is where you can find copper ore in the Creative Inventory menu:

Platform	Version(s)	Creative Menu Location
Windows 10 Edition	1.17.0 - 1.20.0	Nature

Minecraft Education Edition

Here is where you can find copper ore 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 Copper Ore in Survival Mode

You can add copper ore to your inventory in Survival mode by mining copper ore. So, let's get started!

1. Find a Block of Copper Ore

First, let's explore where to find copper ore. In Minecraft, copper ore is found in small deposits underground in the Overworld. Copper ore has orange and green specks, and can be usually be found at the same y-coordinates as iron ore (which is a y-coordinate between 1 and 63).

This is what a block of copper ore looks like:

copper ore and pickaxe

2. Hold a Stone, Diamond, Iron, or Netherite Pickaxe

To mine copper ore, you need to dig up the copper ore with a diamond pickaxe, iron pickaxe, stone pickaxe, or netherite pickaxe.

How to make a Netherite Pickaxe

How to make a Diamond Pickaxe

How to make an Iron Pickaxe

How to make a Stone Pickaxe

Other tools will not dig up the copper ore and let you add it to your inventory.

In this example, we are going to use an iron pickaxe to dig up the copper ore.

3. Mine the Block of Copper Ore

The game control to mine the block of copper ore depends on the version of Minecraft:

For Java Edition (PC/Mac), left click and hold on the block of copper ore.
For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap and hold on the block of copper ore.
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 block of copper ore.
For Education Edition, left click and hold on the block of copper ore.

copper ore dropped

You will need to continue to dig until the block breaks and a smaller block of copper ore finally appears. The block of copper ore will float on the ground.

4. Pick up the Copper Ore

Make sure you pick up the copper ore before it disappears.

copper ore gathered

Once you pick up the copper ore, it will appear in your hotbar.

copper ore