Summary:

This mod adds new "Ore Pebbles" which will generate on the surface above their corresponding ores.

These will only generate occasionally; NOT over every ore pocket. The more rare the ore, the more rare the pebble.

They will only generate above overworld ores in stone layers and include copper, iron, gold, redstone, lapis and diamond.

Breaking the pebble will give a chance to get that ore or gem as well, but it is only about 50/50. They may also drop nuggets.

If you find a pebble, there will almost always be a pocket of ore straight down, anywhere from 6 to 48 blocks below the pebble.

These pebbles do not generate above deepslate ores or in water.

Inspiration:

This was inspired in part by the game Vintage Story, which has a similar mechanic. It was also inspired (as I am sure Vintage story was as well) by how real-world ores are often located; by surface deposits that can be seen without digging. Prospectors would then start to mine the area near where surface deposits were found in hopes of locating a richer vein of ore.

Vanilla Integration:

This game adds 6 new blocks, each one meant to look like a pebble made out of its corresponding ore.

It does NOT alter ore generation, ore drops, or any other in game mechanics.

It will make finding ores easier and one could acquire a diamond without a pickaxe becasue no special tool is needed to mine out the pebbles.

Remember: Never dig straight down!

And good luck!

Surface Ore Pebbles