Glowing Obsidian‌ (Bedrock Edition)

What is Glowing Obsidian?

Glowing Obsidian is a Bedrock Edition-exclusive block that resembles regular Obsidian but emits a redstone-like glow. It was originally introduced as part of the Nether Reactor feature, which allowed players to access Nether-like materials before the Nether dimension existed in Minecraft Pocket Edition.

Glowing Obsidian shares the same blast resistance and durability as regular Obsidian, but unlike normal Obsidian, it does not require a Diamond Pickaxe to break. However, since the Nether Reactor feature was removed, this block is now completely unobtainable in survival gameplay.

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Where Can Glowing Obsidian Be Found?

Glowing Obsidian does not generate naturally and could only be created by activating a Nether Reactor in older versions of Minecraft Pocket Edition (now Bedrock Edition).

To create it (before it was removed):

1. Build a Nether Reactor Core structure using Cobblestone and a Nether Reactor Core.
2. Activate the Reactor, causing it to spawn a “Nether Spire” that replaced blocks in the surrounding area.
3. Glowing Obsidian would appear temporarily around the reactor before eventually disappearing.

Since the Nether Reactor feature was removed in Minecraft Bedrock Edition 1.0.0, Glowing Obsidian can no longer be obtained without commands.

Players in Creative Mode or using commands can still place it using:

/setblock ~ ~ ~ glowing_obsidian  

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What Can Players Do with Glowing Obsidian?

Since Glowing Obsidian is unobtainable in Survival Mode, it serves no functional purpose other than decoration in Creative Mode or custom maps. It can be used for:

• Nether-themed builds, where its glowing effect fits with Redstone and Lava aesthetics.
• Historical or nostalgic builds, recreating old Nether Reactor Core structures.
• Adventure maps, where Glowing Obsidian can be used as a mystical, glowing block.

Despite emitting light, Glowing Obsidian does not interact with Redstone mechanics and cannot be used as a power source.

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The History of Glowing Obsidian in Minecraft

Glowing Obsidian was introduced in Minecraft Pocket Edition Alpha 0.5.0 as part of the Nether Reactor feature. Since early mobile versions of Minecraft did not have the Nether dimension, this mechanic allowed players to simulate Nether-like gameplay in the Overworld.

However, with the release of the full Nether in Bedrock Edition 1.0.0, the Nether Reactor Core and Glowing Obsidian were removed, making them legacy blocks that only exist in old worlds or via commands.

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Interesting Fact or Real-Life Connection

Glowing Obsidian’s appearance is inspired by real-world volcanic rock, particularly obsidian infused with lava veins. In nature, volcanic glass can glow when exposed to extreme heat, much like how Glowing Obsidian emits light in Minecraft.

Its removal from Survival Mode makes it one of Minecraft’s rarest blocks, existing only in older worlds and Creative Mode builds.

For more details on legacy blocks, Nether Reactor mechanics, and rare Bedrock Edition features, visit the Rusty Ingot knowledge base.