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How rare is suspicious sand?

Published in Minecraft Archaeology 3 mins read

Suspicious sand is classified as common in Minecraft, making it a readily discoverable block for players engaged in archaeological pursuits.

Understanding Suspicious Sand Rarity

Despite its unique interaction and role in the game's archaeology system, suspicious sand is not considered a rare block. It generates commonly within specific structures found throughout the game world, ensuring accessibility for players who know where to look.

Key Characteristics of Suspicious Sand

Suspicious sand possesses distinct properties that set it apart from regular sand. Here's a quick overview of its attributes:

Property Value
Rarity Tier Common
Stackable Yes (64)
Blast Resistance 0.25
Hardness 0.25

Unlike most blocks, suspicious sand cannot be simply mined with a shovel or pickaxe. Its unique interaction requires the use of a brush tool, which allows players to carefully extract hidden items from within without destroying the block or its contents.

Where to Find Suspicious Sand

The common rarity of suspicious sand is primarily due to its generation patterns within various archaeological sites. Players can typically find suspicious sand in:

  • Desert Temples: Often found in the sand beneath the central structure or around its perimeter.
  • Desert Wells: Sometimes generates in small quantities near these simple structures in desert biomes.
  • Trail Ruins: These large, buried structures are a significant source, containing numerous suspicious sand blocks (and suspicious gravel blocks in some variants).
  • Ocean Ruins (Cold & Warm): While suspicious gravel is common here, suspicious sand can also occasionally be found.

The Purpose of Suspicious Sand

The primary function of suspicious sand is to enable the archaeology gameplay mechanic, which was introduced in specific Minecraft updates. By carefully brushing these blocks, players can uncover a variety of hidden treasures and artifacts. The specific items found within suspicious sand vary depending on the structure it is discovered in, encouraging exploration of diverse archaeological sites. Potential finds include:

  • Pottery Shards: Used to craft unique decorated pots, often depicting ancient stories or symbols.
  • Diamonds: A valuable and sought-after resource.
  • Emeralds: Another precious gem.
  • Sniffer Eggs: A rare and highly desirable item that allows players to hatch a new, ancient mob.
  • Miscellaneous items: Such as gunpowder, TNT, and various tools or armor.

Practical Insights for Players

To make the most of your archaeological adventures with suspicious sand, consider these practical tips:

  • Always Carry a Brush: The brush is the only tool that can interact with suspicious sand to reveal its contents. Ensure you have one before exploring.
  • Be Patient and Careful: Brushing takes a few moments. If you break the suspicious sand block (by trying to mine it with a shovel, for example), the contents will be lost.
  • Look Closely: Suspicious sand blocks often blend seamlessly with regular sand, making them easy to overlook. Take your time to thoroughly inspect areas in archaeological structures.
  • Craft Spares: Brushes have limited durability, so it's wise to carry multiple brushes or the materials needed to craft new ones on the go.

In essence, while suspicious sand introduces exciting new gameplay mechanics and valuable finds, its classification as common means players should encounter it regularly during their archaeological explorations.