How to Make a Basalt Generator in Minecraft

Introduction to Basalt Generators

Basalt is a decorative block added in Minecraft's 1.16 Nether Update, with a dark gray appearance and distinctive columnar structure that makes it ideal for many building projects. While it can be found naturally in Basalt Delta biomes in the Nether, building a basalt generator allows you to obtain unlimited basalt without venturing into the dangerous Nether.

Basalt forms when lava flows into contact with blue ice. By controlling and automating this process, we can create renewable basalt farms for all your building needs.

Basic Basalt Generator (Manual)

This simple design allows you to create basalt on demand. While not fully automatic, it's perfect for early-game when you need a small amount of basalt for decoration projects.

Step-by-Step Construction

1. Create a simple U-shaped structure using non-flammable blocks.
2. Place blue ice on one side of the U-shape.
3. Place a block on the opposite side from the blue ice, ensuring there's a gap between them.
4. Place lava above this gap.
5. The lava will flow down and contact the blue ice, immediately forming basalt.
6. Mine the basalt with your pickaxe.
7. Replace the lava and repeat.

B B B B B
B L L L B
B 0 0 I B
B B B B B
                        

Semi-Automatic Basalt Generator

This improved design uses basic redstone mechanisms to automate basalt generation with minimal manual intervention.

Working Principle

This semi-automatic design works as follows:

• A dispenser with lava places lava above blue ice, creating basalt.
• A second dispenser immediately retrieves the lava after the basalt forms.
• You only need to collect the basalt and reactivate the system.

Building Steps

1. Create a 3x3 platform with a hole in the center.
2. Place blue ice below the central hole.
3. Place a dispenser (loaded with a lava bucket) on one side, facing the central hole.
4. Place another dispenser (empty) on the opposite side, also facing the central hole.
5. Connect both dispensers with redstone dust and a repeater, ensuring the second dispenser activates with a short delay after the first one.
6. Add a button or lever to activate the system.
7. When pressed, the first dispenser will release lava, forming basalt, then the second dispenser will retrieve the lava.

Fully Automatic Basalt Generator

This advanced design can produce basalt continuously without any manual intervention, perfect for large building projects.

Working Principle

The fully automatic basalt generator combines these mechanisms:

• A dispenser places lava, forming basalt on blue ice.
• Another dispenser retrieves the lava.
• Pistons push the formed basalt toward a collection system.
• Observers detect the basalt formation and movement, triggering the next cycle.
• A hopper collection system stores the basalt in chests.

Redstone Timing Considerations

The key to the fully automatic design is precise redstone timing:

• Observers must detect the new basalt formation
• Dispensers need adequate time to retrieve lava
• Pistons must push the basalt at the right moment
• The system must reset to begin a new cycle

Soul Soil Based Basalt Generator

Besides using blue ice, you can also create basalt using soul soil/soul sand. When a lava source block is placed above soul soil or soul sand, it transforms into basalt.

Basic Design

The simplest soul soil basalt generator:

1. Place a layer of soul soil or soul sand.
2. Place a lava source block (not flowing lava) directly above it.
3. The lava source block will immediately transform into basalt.
4. Mine the basalt and repeat the process.

Pros and Cons of the Soul Soil Method

Common Issues and Solutions