BEWARE -These Blocks Will Sink Your Boat

In this episode of The Minecraft Classroom, we explore one of Minecraft’s most exciting—and dangerous—blocks: magma blocks. From crafting underwater traps to building a fully functional Minecraft bubble elevator, we’ll show you how to use this block to its fullest potential.

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Where to Find Magma Blocks in Minecraft

You can find magma blocks in two main locations:

• The Nether – Near lava lakes or basalt formations
• Ocean Ravines – Found naturally at the seafloor, often generating bubble columns

In both environments, magma blocks provide a glowing, animated texture and can cause damage to players and mobs.

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What Do Magma Blocks Do?

They Hurt

Standing on a magma block without crouching or armor will damage you over time. This makes them useful for base defenses and hostile mob traps.

They Pull

Placed under water, magma blocks generate downward bubble columns that suck players, items, and even boats toward them. This mechanic is key for traps, elevators, and item transport systems.

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Bubble Column Experiment

We ran a few in-game experiments to show how bubble columns work:

• Placing magma blocks at the bottom of a water column pulls items and players down
• Using soul sand instead creates upward bubble columns

This makes magma essential for creating a two-way water elevator in Minecraft.

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Bonus Tip: Frost Walker Boots

Wearing Frost Walker boots lets you walk on magma blocks without taking damage. It’s a smart move for players working near magma traps or ocean builds.

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Our Boat Trap Test (It Did Not End Well)

We tested what happens when you paddle a boat over magma-powered bubbles. The results were… dramatic. The boat was pulled under, we panicked, and damage was taken. Lesson: Avoid boating blindly over bubbles.

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Our Magma Block Volcano & Elevator Build

To show magma blocks in action, we built a volcano base complete with:

• Magma block lava flows (visual effect)
• A creepy interior lair with magma lighting
• A working Minecraft bubble elevator using soul sand and magma blocks

This build is practical, fast, and just dangerous enough to keep things interesting.

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Real-World Connection: Hydrothermal Vents

Magma blocks in Minecraft are inspired by hydrothermal vents in the real world. These are found deep in the ocean, where superheated water creates upward and downward currents—just like Minecraft’s bubble columns. It’s a subtle nod to Earth science hidden in a blocky world.

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Watch the Episode

Watch the full Magma Block episode on YouTube to see everything from the traps and chaos to the science and building tips.

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Share Your Magma Block Ideas

Have you used magma blocks in your own builds? Share your creations or questions in the comments—we’d love to feature some viewer designs in a future episode!

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