Using the Field Manual and Sample Blocks to Track Deposits

Open the Field Manual

Craft or obtain the Field Manual and open it. It lists the ore blocks, Clusters, and Sample blocks you can encounter, so you can identify what a reading or a found block corresponds to before you invest in digging.

Samples Mark Real Deposits

Sample blocks are surface and subsurface indicators. The full set includes Hematite Sample, Limonite Sample, Malachite Sample, Azurite Sample, Cassiterite Sample, Galena Sample, Sphalerite Sample, Teallite Sample, Bauxite Sample, Beryl Sample, Cinnabar Sample, Autunite Sample, Kimberlite Sample, Platinum Sample, Gold Sample, Poor Gold Sample, Coal Sample, Lignite Sample, Bituminous Coal Sample, Anthracitic Coal Sample, Assorted Quartz Sample, Lapis Lazuli Sample, and Ancient Debris Sample. When you find one, the corresponding full ore block — Hematite, Limonite, Malachite, Azurite, Cassiterite, Galena, Sphalerite, Teallite, Bauxite, Beryl, Cinnabar, Autunite, Kimberlite, Platinum, Gold, Poor Gold, Coal, Lignite, Bituminous Coal, Anthracitic Coal, Assorted Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, or Ancient Debris — is nearby.

A Simple Prospecting Loop

1. Scan with the Prospector's Pick.

2. Dig toward the reported ore.

3. When you hit a Sample block, note the coordinates.

4. Mine the full ore block and break it down into its Cluster.

5. Smelt the Cluster into an Ingot or Nugget at your furnace or blast furnace.

6. Record the deposit in the Field Manual so you can return for more.