Description
Lava is a hot flowing liquid that appears in pockets underground and in some surface areas like volcanic zones and the nether. It is one of the most dangerous natural features in the game because it causes fire and heavy damage to anyone who falls into it. The bright orange surface and the bubbling effects are a clear warning to keep a safe distance and to use careful mining techniques around lava lakes. Lava can also be used constructively to power furnaces as a source of fuel and to create traps for mobs. When it flows it can spread across blocks and set flammable materials alight which means careful builders take steps to control it with barriers and water where possible. Because lava flows slowly it can be channelled to make aesthetic waterfalls and glowing pools in builds that want a volcanic look. Players who farm Nether materials rely on lava as a landscape feature and as a tool to remove unwanted drops or to create mob processing areas. As a block that interacts with physics in many ways lava is both a hazard and a design element for players who want to use it safely and creatively.
What is Lava?
Lava is a dangerous liquid block that causes burn damage and interacts with water to create stone variants. It flows slowly and creates light which makes it visible in dark areas. It is a core environmental hazard that players learn to respect in early play.
Where to find Lava
You find lava in underground pockets, in large lava lakes at certain depths, in the nether where lava is common on the surface, and occasionally as surface pools near mountain and volcanic like areas. Lava often appears in caves and ravines and can also be part of the terrain of the nether dimension.
How to get Lava
Use a bucket to scoop lava from a source block and carry it in your inventory. In creative mode you can place lava directly from the inventory or use the give command to add it to your inventory. In some settings players create controlled lava sources by placing and containing lava in a basin.
Release Information
First introduced: Present in the game since early releases
Give Command
/give @p minecraft:lava 1
How to use Lava
Use lava as a fuel source in furnaces, as a barrier to stop mobs, and as a decorative glowing element in builds. It can be dangerous near wood and other flammable materials so always contain it with non flammable blocks. Use water and barriers to control the flow and to avoid accidental spread when mining.
Recipes for Lava
This item cannot be crafted.