How to make an Amethyst Shard in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft an amethyst shard with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, an amethyst shard is a new item that was introduced in the Caves & Cliffs Update: Part I. An amethyst shard is an item that you can not make with a crafting table or furnace. Instead, you need to find and gather this item in the game.

amethyst shard

Let's explore how to add an amethyst shard to your inventory.

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Supported Platforms

An amethyst shard is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes (1.17)
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)Yes (1.17.0)
Xbox 360 Xbox 360No
Xbox One Xbox OneYes (1.17.0)
PS3 PS3No
PS4 PS4Yes (1.17.0)
Wii U Wii UNo
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchYes (1.17.0)
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionYes (1.17.0)
Education Edition Education EditionYes (1.17.30)

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Where to find an Amethyst Shard in Creative Mode

How to get an Amethyst Shard in Survival Mode

In Minecraft, you can add an amethyst shard to your inventory in Survival mode by finding an amethyst cluster growing in a geode in your world and then gathering it. So, let's get started!

1. Find a Geode

First, you need to find a geode in your Minecraft world. Geodes are found underground in the Overworld, sometimes at the end of an underground cave system.

amethyst geode

A geode is made of 3 layers - the outer layer is tuff, the second layer is calcite, and the inner layer is blocks of amethyst and budding amethyst (with different growth stages of amethyst).

Within the inner layer of the geode, you can find small amethyst buds, medium amethyst buds, large amethyst buds, and amethyst clusters growing on the budding amethyst blocks. These are the 4 growth stages of amethyst:

amethyst growth

To get amethyst shards, you will need to find an amethyst cluster. This is the only growth stage that will drop amethyst shards when mined.

2. Break the Amethyst Cluster

Here is what an amethyst cluster looks like:

amethyst cluster and pickaxe

You can break the amethyst cluster with your hand or any tool. The game control to break the amethyst cluster depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), left click and hold on the amethyst cluster.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap and hold on the amethyst cluster.
  • For Xbox One, press and hold the RT button on the Xbox controller.
  • For PS4, press and hold the R2 button on the PS controller.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press and hold the ZR button on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, left click and hold on the amethyst cluster.
  • For Education Edition, left click and hold on the amethyst cluster.

amethyst shard dropped

The amethyst cluster will break and 4 smaller amethyst shards will float on the ground.

3. Pick up the Amethyst Shard

Make sure you pick up the amethyst shards before they disappear.

amethyst shard gathered

Once you pick up the amethyst shards, they will appear in your hotbar.

amethyst shard

An amethyst shard is a useful item and should be kept in your inventory to be used later.

Item ID and Name

Give Command for Amethyst Shard

Things to Make with Amethyst Shards

You can use amethyst shards to make items in Minecraft such as:

Things to Do with Amethyst Shards

Here are some activities that you can do with amethyst shards in Minecraft: