There are three types of players in Minecraft Pocket Edition. Those whose creations are beautiful but impractical, those whose structures are functional yet unattractive, and the remarkable individuals who can enhance both aesthetics and utility in their builds. This week’s block is dedicated to the first group, who simply wish to create something lovely without concern for its purpose. Introducing glazed terracotta!
Glazed terracotta is one of the latest additions to Minecraft, introduced in version 1.12, known as the World of Color Update. There are sixteen different types of glazed terracotta, each corresponding to one of the traditional dye colors, and they can be meticulously arranged into various patterns depending on the direction you face when placing them.
Among the patterns, you’ll discover some surprises—purple blocks form arrows, yellow blocks may display a sun, and blue blocks are quite explosive. What hidden designs can you uncover?
Creating glazed terracotta in Minecraft PE is simple. Just place some regular terracotta (previously known as hardened clay) in a furnace with fuel and wait a few minutes. Don’t have any terracotta? Toss some clay into the furnace with fuel and wait a bit. No clay either? Well, don’t bother waiting; in that case, the furnace won’t help you. Instead, go read about this week’s block—the clay—so you’ll know where to find it.
As you might expect, items that have been fired twice in-game tend to be quite fragile, so we wouldn’t recommend using glazed terracotta as protection against creepers. However, this block will undoubtedly enliven any floor, wall, or ceiling you choose to decorate.
Suleiman the Magnificent, ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566, appreciated this material. That’s why, when he decided to renovate the “Dome of the Rock” in Jerusalem, he covered nearly all of its exterior with “faience.” No, this isn’t a fantastical Ottoman fence; it’s another term for glazed terracotta, which was invented in the Middle East sometime before the ninth century.
And this isn’t the only building utilizing glazed terracotta. Many urban structures in the United States built between 1900 and 1930 feature glazed terracotta because it is durable, inexpensive, and can easily be molded into any desired shape. Chicago, in particular, boasts numerous such buildings.
So, when you decide on materials for your future construction, make sure to consider glazed terracotta as well. You’ll achieve the most vibrant colors in your build!
