Diamonds in Minecraft are most commonly found underground at specific Y-levels (vertical coordinates). After the 2022 update, diamonds generate between Y-level 14 down to -63, with the highest concentration near the bottom layers close to bedrock. The best Y-levels to mine for diamonds are around Y = -53 to Y = -59, as this range balances a high diamond spawn rate and relative safety from lava lakes
. To summarize:
- Diamonds spawn anywhere below Y-level 16.
- The optimal diamond mining levels are approximately Y = -53 to Y = -59.
- Mining at Y = -53 is recommended to avoid most lava lakes while still finding many diamonds.
- Diamonds are more common the deeper you go, closer to bedrock.
- Use coordinates (X, Y, Z) to locate your position; Y is the vertical level.
- Press F3 on Java Edition or enable coordinates in Bedrock Edition to see your current Y-level
Therefore, to find diamonds efficiently, dig down to around Y = -53 and mine horizontally in strip or branch mining patterns to maximize your chances of finding diamond ore.
