Amethyst Beacon Base Mod FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I use amethyst blocks as a beacon base?
Build the normal beacon pyramid under a beacon, using amethyst blocks for the layers. Each layer must be a complete square with no gaps. The beacon will then recognise the pyramid and activate.
How do I craft an amethyst block?
Use the vanilla recipe: put 4 amethyst shards in a 2x2 square on the crafting grid. The mod adds no separate recipe for the block.
Can I use amethyst shards to pay for beacon effects?
Yes. Open the beacon, put an amethyst shard in the payment slot, and choose your effect. The shard is used up when you confirm, the same as paying with an ingot.
How big does my amethyst pyramid need to be?
The sizes are the same as vanilla: the first layer is 3x3, then 5x5, 7x7 and 9x9 below it. More complete layers unlock more effect options. Fill each layer fully, or the beacon will only count the lower tier.
My amethyst beacon has no beam. What's wrong?
Check for solid blocks above the beacon. Anything opaque in the way stops the beam, and the beacon also needs a complete pyramid of valid base blocks. Clear the sky above it and look for missing blocks in the first layer.
The beam shows, but I get no effects. Why?
You probably haven't picked an effect and paid yet. Open the beacon, choose a power, and insert a payment item (an amethyst shard works). Also stand inside the beacon's range, which grows with the number of pyramid layers.
Where do I find enough amethyst for a full base?
Look for amethyst geodes underground and mine the amethyst clusters that grow on the budding blocks. A full-size pyramid takes many blocks, and each block takes 4 shards. Mine a lot of clusters first, and use Fortune on them for more shards.
Can I mix amethyst blocks with iron, gold, diamond or netherite in the same pyramid?
Amethyst is added as another valid base block, so mixing it with the vanilla materials should work, as vanilla does. If a mixed layer doesn't register, rebuild that layer with a single material to rule out a gap.
Do I still need to pay with ingots or gems, or can I only use shards?
Shards are an extra option, and the vanilla payment items still work. Use whichever you have on hand.
Does this mod cause lag, or conflict with other mods?
It only adds amethyst as a valid base block and payment item, so it shouldn't add any noticeable load. If another mod changes beacon behaviour, they may conflict. In that case, test the beacon with only this mod installed to find the cause.