Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Redstone Ore in Minecraft: Best Y Level and Drops
Redstone ore generates from the bottom of the world up to Y=15, and is most common near the bottom: the best levels are the lowest ones, just above bedrock. Mine it with an iron pickaxe or better for 4-5 redstone dust, up to 8 with Fortune III. It lights up and gives off red particles when touched or clicked.
What is the best Y level for redstone?
One batch spreads evenly from Y=-64 to Y=15, and a second, bigger batch from Y=-63 to Y=-32 gets more common the deeper you go. So the deepest layers, just above bedrock, have the most. Unlike most ores, redstone does not generate less when exposed to air, so caves near the bottom are full of it. All ores: ore Y levels.
How much redstone do you get?
| Pickaxe | Redstone dust |
|---|---|
| Iron or better | 4-5 |
| Fortune I | 4-6 |
| Fortune II | 4-7 |
| Fortune III | 4-8 |
| Stone, wood or gold | Nothing |
Silk Touch drops the ore itself. Fortune: tool enchantments.
Why does redstone ore glow?
Clicking it, mining it, or a mob stepping on it makes it light up to light level 9 with red particles; it fades back later. Sneaking players do not trigger it. This is a handy way to spot it in dark caves.
What is redstone dust for?
Circuits, pistons, repeaters, comparators, clocks, compasses, redstone lamps, rails and potions that last longer. Clerics also sell it. Start here: redstone basics. Deeper ores appear as deepslate redstone ore.
Frequently asked questions
What pickaxe do you need for redstone?
Iron or better.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.