How to Get Glowstone in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Break glowstone in the Nether: without Silk Touch each block drops 2-4 glowstone dust (Fortune raises the chance of a large drop but never past 4). Journeyman cleric villagers sell 1 glowstone for 4 emeralds.

What you need

Any tool (Silk Touch pickaxe ideal for blocks)
Blocks for pillaring up to Nether ceilings
Fire resistance potion recommended
Emeralds for cleric trading (optional)

Step by step

Enter the Nether and look up: glowstone hangs from ceilings and overhangs.
Break the glowstone block. Without Silk Touch it drops 2-4 glowstone dust; with Fortune the chance of a bigger drop rises but never exceeds 4. With Silk Touch it drops the block itself.
Craft 4 glowstone dust in a 2x2 grid to make 1 glowstone block.
Buy it: journeyman cleric villagers always sell 1 glowstone for 4 emeralds, and wandering traders occasionally sell 1 for 2 emeralds.
Loot bastion remnants: hoglin stable chests hold 3-6 glowstone (~22.8%).
Use it: glowstone powers respawn anchors and, with redstone dust, crafts redstone lamps.

Java vs Bedrock

In Bedrock Edition, wandering traders have a 25% chance (plus 1% per Looting level) to drop 1 glowstone when killed while showing it as a trade offer and the player holds an emerald.

Versions: Clerics sell it for 4 emeralds since 19w11a, it fuels respawn anchors since 1.16 (20w12a), and it generates in bastion remnant chests since 20w16a.

Frequently asked questions

How much dust does glowstone drop?

2-4 glowstone dust without Silk Touch. Fortune improves the odds of a large drop but never gives more than 4.

How many dust make a glowstone block?

4 dust in a 2x2 grid make 1 block.

Can I buy glowstone?

Yes. Journeyman cleric villagers sell 1 for 4 emeralds, and wandering traders occasionally sell 1 for 2 emeralds.

Where else can I find glowstone?

In hoglin stable chests of bastion remnants: 3-6 blocks at ~22.8%.