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This post was last updated on April 1, 2026
Crying obsidian is a variation of this hard, mysterious block. It has completely different mechanics and uses than normal obsidian – it can only be found, and not created.
While it sounds like a soft piece of obsidian that’s been cutting onions, crying obsidian is actually much tougher than it sounds, and is one of the hardest blocks in the game.
The main use of crying obsidian is to create respawn anchors – a powerful new tool for surviving the nether realm. These let you choose where to respawn in the nether – which can be an invaluable tool.
Keep reading to find out the full details of how crying obsidian works.
What is Crying Obsidian in Minecraft?
Crying obsidian is a unique block in Minecraft with a few specific uses and mechanics. Unlike normal obsidian, you can’t create crying obsidian. You can only obtain a crying obsidian block by finding it in ruined portals, or by trading it with piglins in the nether – more details on that later.
Like standard obsidian, crying obsidian is extremely tough, and has a blast resistance of 1200. You can also only break crying obsidian blocks with a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe.
How to Tell the Difference Between Crying and Normal Obsidian
The main way to identify crying obsidian is that it is lighter in color than normal obsidian blocks. It also emits a low level of light, and purple particles. These give it a distinct appearance.
Where to Find Crying Obsidian
You can only get crying obsidian from three places in the natural Minecraft world – you cannot craft crying obsidian or make it with lava and water.
- In a ruined portal, found in the wild.
- In loot chests from nether bastion remnants
- By trading gold ingots with piglins
The most reliable source of crying obsidian is bartering or trading with piglins. Every time you swap a gold ingot with a piglin, there is roughly an 8.71% chance to receive a block of crying obsidian in return.
The Uses of Crying Obsidian
There are several uses for crying obsidian in Minecraft. Although, it’s worth noting that it can’t be used to create a nether portal like normal obsidian blocks.
Decorative Block
Unlike regular obsidian, crying obsidian has a few extra decorative properties. This light purple block emits light with a light level of 10. This is enough for some dim illumination, although it won’t melt ice or snow. It’s also the strongest and most blast-resisting light source.
Also, sometimes a block of crying obsidian will emit purple dripping particles, which can be a fun way to create some spicy decoration.
Note Blocks
When placed underneath a note block in vanilla Minecraft, crying obsidian creates a bass drum sound. This helps if you want to make some cool beats with your note blocks.
Redstone and Piston Interaction
Unlike many other blocks, pistons and sticky pistons cannot move crying obsidian. This can be used in a creative way if you’re getting crafty with the mechanics of Minecraft.
Crafting Respawn Anchors
Respawn anchors are a relatively new block that was added in the 1.16 nether update. Crying obsidian is a core crafting material for building a respawn anchor.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft a respawn anchor.
- Put three blocks of glowstone in the three middle slots of a crafting table.
- Fill the other six slots above and below with crying obsidian.
Respawn Anchor Mechanics
Respawn anchors are used for setting a respawn point in the nether. In the overworld, you need to use a bed to set your spawn point, but if you place these in the nether, they explode and are destroyed.
To set your spawn point in the nether using a respawn anchor, follow these steps.
- Craft the respawn anchor, and place it where you wish to set your respawn point.
- Charge the anchor by using a block of glowstone on it (glowstone dust won’t work.)
Anchors can have up to four charges. Each time you respawn using the anchor, one charge will be consumed. If the anchor runs out of charges, then you can’t use it as a respawn point.
Respawn anchors will explode if used in any dimension other than the nether – like the overworld or the end.
Closing Thoughts
Now you understand the uses of crying obsidian. Not only does it make for some cool-looking decoration, but it’s also a core ingredient for respawn anchors, which are a powerful tool for exploring the nether!
FAQs About Crying Obsidian
What are the Uses of Crying Obsidian?
There are several uses for crying obsidian. The main use is to craft respawn anchors, which are special blocks that let you set your respawn point in the nether. Besides this, you can use crying obsidian as a decorative block, as it has a unique texture and emits lights and cute purple particles. It also changes the sound of note blocks.
Is Crying Obsidian as Hard as Obsidian?
Crying obsidian is just as hard as obsidian. They can both only be destroyed with diamond or netherite pickaxes. Both types of obsidian also have the same level of blast resistance – which is 1200. This means they will resist most explosions, including TNT. This makes it a useful block for defending bases from griefing.
Can You Make a Portal With Crying Obsidian?
No, you cannot make a portal with crying obsidian, you can only use regular obsidian to build nether portals.
