What's Minecraft's prettiest block?

Minecraft now contains almost as many blocks as the Earth does people. But which block is the biggest treat for the eyes? As the prettiest writer in Minecraft.net history (citation needed), I’ve nobly decided to scientifically settle this debate once and for all.  

Will we at last resolve which block is the most handsome? Or will we learn a valuable lesson about how it’s what's inside that counts? The first one. 

Cherry Leaves

Minecraft adds new pink blocks and then suddenly Barbie is one of the biggest films of the year. COINCIDENCE?!?! 

Yes. This lovely leafy block is always blossoming, making it a very strong contender! 

PROS: I constantly misspell this one as "cheery leaves" which makes me smile : )

CONS: It also makes me feel stupid. Therefore, it’s disqualified. 

Dirt

Hideous. Appalling. So bad that we’re already regretting the premise of this article.

PROS: Well, maybe it’s not THAT bad… 

CONS: Scratch that, yes it is. 

Grass

The dirt block gets a trendy green haircut and thinks it can win us back. And it’s right! 

PROS: A lovely nature-promoting look that Minecraft’s fields just wouldn’t be the same without. 

CONS: Unlikely to stay pretty considering how many people must keep stepping on it. 

Coral

Apparently pouring paint into the oceans to make them more colorful is a bad thing to do. Who knew? Luckily, the magnificent coral block adds a welcome splash of color to even the bleakest body of water. 

PROS: So much color! 

CONS: Makes the rest of the ocean look drab by comparison. Pretty mean, coral. 

Dead Coral

We all have a tedious goth cousin who writes "deep" poetry and thinks they invented wearing black. Sadly, the coral block is no exception. I’m feeling older and greyer just looking at it.

PROS: A helpful, if not a little bleak, reminder of why we need to protect our IRL oceans!

CONS: I can’t see the winner of any beauty contest having the first name "Dead".

Planks

Wood wisely gives itself a great makeover! There’s something about the lines on a good plank block that makes me feel all happy inside. Maybe I need to get out more? No, that can’t be it.

PROS: Proof that developing lines doesn’t make you ugly. Embrace those wrinkles!

CONS: More high-maintenance than normal wood. Relatable.

SOUL SAND 

…Seriously?

PROS: It’s several handsome blocks in one!

CONS: Annoying reminder that I sold my soul for five Minecoins a few years back. 

GLOWSTONE

I’m as big a fan of a glow-up as anyone, but there’s just something about this block that makes my eyes want to retire. Sorry, glowstone!

PROS: Lights up the room…

CONS: …which means you can see how ugly it is. 

Gravel

Proving that truly any block is allowed to enter my increasingly mean-spirited little contest. I'm impressed if you're still reading this!

PROS: I actually find this block very pretty <3

CONS: I’m lying, of course.

GLAZED TERRACOTTA 

Such beauty! Such style! Such six sides of stunning! Glazed? More like gorgeous terracotta, amirite? No, because I would never dare to misname someone so beautiful. 

PROS: Seriously, I was on the verge of sending Minecraft to a plastic surgeon before this one showed up. 

CONS: Dirt is everywhere and this block isn’t? Dead game.

AND THE WINNER IS: GRAVEL! 

Yes, I really thought glazed terracotta had a chance, but good ol’ gravel reminded me that there’s more to a block than its looks. This sturdy all-rounder has been a stable presence in Minecraft for 14 glorious years and barely looks a day over 13. 

Plus, gravel remembered that I’m a judge who likes being bribed. Anyway, congratulations gravel! Developers, please delete all the other blocks when you see this. Thank you.