How to Get Pointed Dripstone in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Mine pointed dripstone in dripstone caves with any tool (a pickaxe is fastest), or buy 2 for 1 emerald from wandering traders. To grow your own: hang one under a dripstone block with a water source above - it lengthens about one growth step every 5 in-game days.

What you need

Any pickaxe for harvesting
Dripstone block + water source for the farm
1 emerald per 2 dripstone at the wandering trader (optional)

Step by step

Find a dripstone caves biome underground - it generates at any height, but caves with giant stalactite columns are the jackpot. Every spike is harvestable pointed dripstone.
Mine it with anything; a pickaxe is fastest. Breaking any segment drops the whole column below it, so harvest from the bottom up.
Buy spares: wandering traders sell 2 pointed dripstone for 1 emerald when the trade shows up.
Set up a farm: place a dripstone block, put a water source directly above it (in Java a waterlogged block works too), and hang a pointed dripstone underneath.
Wait: each random tick can advance the stalactite one growth step, averaging 5 in-game days (about 100 minutes) per step. It grows to several blocks and can merge with a stalagmite below.
Harvest the tip and leave the base hanging - it regrows forever. Scale with rows: our dripstone farm and lava farm guides use the same cells for infinite dripstone, lava and clay.

Java vs Bedrock

Growing works the same in both editions (Java also accepts waterlogged blocks as the water source). Bedrock bonus: a wandering trader offering the trade has a 25% chance (+1% per Looting level) to drop 2 dripstone when killed while you hold an emerald.

Versions: Added in Java 1.17 and Bedrock 1.17.0 (Caves & Cliffs Part I, 2021). The mud-to-clay conversion arrived later in 1.19.

Frequently asked questions

Does pointed dripstone regrow?

Yes - a stalactite hanging under a dripstone block with water above it keeps growing forever, roughly one growth step per 5 in-game days. Harvest the tip, keep the base.

What is pointed dripstone used for?

Lava and water farming (cauldrons fill from drips), converting mud to clay, stalactite drop traps, and pure decoration in cave builds.

Do stalactites hurt when they fall?

Yes - breaking the block a stalactite hangs from drops it, and the falling spikes damage whatever they land on. Stalagmites also multiply fall damage if you land on them. Handle with care.