Preparing to Mine

Before mining, it's best to choose what to mine and where to mine. 

Levels <5: bedrock

Levels <30: lava, but lava can be found elsewhere.

Levels <14-5: diamond and redstone 

Levels <30: gold and lapis lazuli

Levels <60: iron

Levels <70: coal

Most players find it best to begin mining with food, wood, coal, torches, a sword, and a water bucket. Bringing a bed might help for long mining expeditions. It is also better to bring an iron pickaxe instead of stone. Iron pickaxes mine quickly and have higher durability. For mining obsidian, bringing a diamond pickaxe is a good idea, although there is less diamond than iron. An empty bucket can collect lava, a shovel can dig away gravel, and ladders can lead your way out. Signs are useful, and so is armor. Chests are useful for keeping important things in case you die. It would be very dangerous to be lost in a mine with no food or weapons.