So today I was talking to some of my town members. They did not know how to mine well so I decided I would make this. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GEAR: I bring with me Three picks normally a fortune III, a Workpick(Efficiency IV Unbreaking III), and a silktouch. A water bucket is a must. A Ender Chest. (Reason for a silktouch!!!!) A fireres (Smashable in case you are not walking out of that lava) Torches!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ARMOR AND WEAPON: I generally wear fireres armor. But if that is in short supply regular diamond will very much fit your needs. A Sharp III with Knock II. You normally are not dealing with players so in terms of weaponry something to keep the buggers off you is all that is needed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW TO MINE: Ok so you have your gear all set all the items ready, your ready to mine. But before we begin how will you mine? A straight line below lvl 15 since that is where diamonds spawn. Caves are dangerous. A straight line takes advantage of super breaker and if you hit dirt, gravel, or lava. Just turn. EDIT: A diagram was there but the forums messes it up.
Why bring a fortune pick if you can just silktouch the ores. You can fortune it at a time when you need exp or need the ore.
That is a good point tbh, and it saves room in your inventory. But if you don't use a silk touch pick like me then just fortune III works just fine.
Another basic way to do this is the tree method, which is a straight line, like North said; but with branches of about 20 blocks (for me, anyway), at 2 or 3 block intervals. It helps shorten your tunnel if you don't want to end up with a massive sprint all the way back to where you started.
Mine ends up being a giant square really or some weird polygon I turn where dirt, gravel, and lava is generally.
I also dig straight down to 10 standing above two blocks. Standing over two blocks prevents you from falling into a ravine or lava (or the occasional spider spawner ). Just be careful with that efficiency pick! Edit: I wouldn't suggest this outside of the mining world. But keep in mind your fellow players and block off the top to avoid killing a friend. Mining straight down is against server rules but shouldn't be a problem if you cover up your tracks, correct?
I want to add one more thing to this. Spread your inventory out. I usually only like to pick up 3 stacks of coal during a trip, therefore I put coal in three inventory slots. While I spread my iron, gold, and diamond across my remaining slots. This prevents me from grabbing items I would have to dispose of later(gravel, dirt, etc) so I only bring home what I want
Or take wood (if you don't have access to /c) and only have 2 slots for coal and redstone (blocks and items) Also take food food is a good idea EDIT: Shortly after posting this I went mining I'm talking 1 minute later and I forgot food D=<