How to Find Diamonds in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Mine at Y=-59 (just above bedrock) in the Overworld. Diamond ore generates most often at the deepest levels, from Y=16 down to bedrock, peaking near Y=-59. Use an iron pickaxe or better; Fortune III multiplies your diamonds.

What you need

Iron pickaxe or better (diamond, netherite)
Torches
Food
Water bucket for lava
Fortune III pickaxe for best yield (optional)

Step by step

Craft an iron pickaxe (3 iron ingots + 2 sticks). Stone or wood pickaxes destroy diamond ore without dropping anything.
Dig down to Y=-59. Press F3 (Java) or enable coordinates in world settings (Bedrock) to see your Y level. Dig a staircase, never straight down.
Branch mine: dig a main tunnel and side tunnels every 2 blocks so you expose the most blocks per pickaxe swing.
Look for diamond ore (light blue specks) in stone or deepslate. Each vein has 1-10 ores; veins near lava pools are easier to spot in caves.
Mine the ore with your iron+ pickaxe. Each ore drops 1 diamond (up to 4 with Fortune III).
Alternative: search caves between Y=-50 and -64, loot shipwrecks, buried treasure, mineshafts, bastions and end city chests.

Java vs Bedrock

Identical in Java and Bedrock: diamond ore generates from Y=16 to bedrock with peak rates at Y=-59, and reduced exposure to air since 1.18. Coordinates are shown with F3 in Java and the Show Coordinates world toggle in Bedrock.

Versions: Ore distribution applies to 1.18+ (Caves & Cliffs Part 2). Before 1.18, mine at Y=11-12.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Y level for diamonds?

Y=-59, just above the bedrock layer. Diamond ore is most common at the bottom of the world, but bedrock starts appearing at Y=-60, so -59 keeps you clear of it.

Do diamonds spawn more near lava?

No, but diamond veins near lava lakes in deep caves are easier to see because fewer blocks hide them. Air exposure reduces diamond generation since 1.18, so strip mining beats cave hunting.

Can you find diamonds without mining?

Yes: buried treasure chests, shipwrecks, mineshafts, bastion remnants, end cities and ruined portals can all contain diamonds or diamond gear.