Breaking obsidian by hand takes about 250 seconds—4 minutes and 10 seconds, according to the Minecraft Wiki’s default breaking-time reference. But breaking it is not the same as collecting it: without a diamond or netherite pickaxe, obsidian does not drop.
How long does hand-breaking take?
The Minecraft Wiki lists a default breaking time of 250 seconds when you have no suitable tool. That is a reference value, not a firsthand test result. The source does not establish a current, verified side-by-side comparison for this exact case across Java and Bedrock editions, so treat the figure as a general reference rather than an edition-specific guarantee. Minecraft Wiki: Obsidian
Will breaking obsidian by hand give you the block?
No. The block can break, but it will not drop as obsidian unless you mine it with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. So spending the time to break it by hand will not let you collect it.
How do pickaxe times compare?
The Minecraft Wiki lists these reference times before other influences on mining speed:
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| Method | Reference breaking time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| No suitable tool | 250 seconds (4 minutes 10 seconds) | Breaks, but does not drop as obsidian |
| Diamond pickaxe | 9.4 seconds | Can collect obsidian |
| Netherite pickaxe | 8.35 seconds | Can collect obsidian |
The diamond and netherite figures are baseline references; factors that affect mining speed can change the time. The Minecraft Wiki’s obsidian-farming guide gives one enhanced example: a netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V and Haste II takes 1.55 seconds. That is an example with those specific enhancements, not a general netherite-pickaxe time. Minecraft Wiki: Obsidian farming
What should you use?
If you want to obtain obsidian, use a diamond or netherite pickaxe. The useful distinction is simple: bare-handed breaking may remove the block after a long wait, but it does not produce the item.
Quick Recap
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