Mining and Gems

Overview

Mining is a gathering activity in inZOI that allows Zois to collect raw stones, minerals, and gemstones from rocky deposits found throughout the world. The mining system was introduced in the v0.3.0 update (August 20, 2025) alongside the free Island Getaway DLC and the Cahaya region. Mining spots are available in all three playable areas: Dowon, Bliss Bay, and Cahaya. Raw gemstones can be refined into polished jewels at a Crafting Table, sold for Meow, or tracked in the Collection Log. Mining is tied to the Collecting skill, while refining gems is tied to the Handiwork skill.

How mining works

Mining spots appear as rocky patches and shiny deposits on the ground in parks, gardens, farmlands, and other open areas. Most grassy non-residential areas throughout the game world will have at least a few mining spots scattered around. To mine, walk your Zoi to a mining deposit and select the "Mine with Tools" action. If your Zoi has a pickaxe in their inventory, they will use it automatically. Mining without a tool is possible but significantly slower and less efficient. A pickaxe is strongly recommended for any serious gathering.

Each mining spot yields a random selection of materials when mined. The type of materials you receive depends on the mining spot category (see below), the tier of pickaxe used, your Zoi's Collecting skill level, and some element of randomness. Mining spots respawn quickly, so you can revisit the same areas repeatedly.

Mining spot types

Mining deposits come in different visual categories that affect which materials can be obtained. The item descriptions in the Collection Log tell you which spot types yield each specific gemstone:

• Standard spots yield common stones, iron ore, and occasionally low-tier raw gemstones. Found everywhere.

• Golden spots have a golden shimmer and tend to yield rarer gemstones. Certain gems can only be found in golden mining spots.

• Silver spots metallic silver appearance. Good source of silver ore and diamonds. Diamond specifically appears most reliably in silver mining spots.

• Copper spots copper-toned deposits that yield copper ore and specific gem types.

• Mixed spots can yield a variety of materials from different categories. Some exclusive gemstones like Black Opal Raw Stone only appear in mixed deposits.

Pickaxe tiers

Pickaxes are the primary mining tool and dramatically improve both mining speed and the quality of materials obtained. Pickaxes can be purchased at the Farm Store in Cahaya (located in the bottom-right section of the map) or crafted at any Crafting Table using gathered materials. The Farm Store stocks Stone, Copper, and Steel pickaxes for direct purchase. Higher tiers must be crafted. The available tiers are:

• Stone Pickaxe the most basic tier. Can be crafted from stone and twigs at a Crafting Table, or purchased at the Farm Store. Suitable for gathering common materials like regular stones and iron ore.

• Copper Pickaxe available at the Farm Store. Improved mining speed and slightly better gem drop rates compared to stone.

• Steel Pickaxe available at the Farm Store. A reliable mid-tier option that further improves mining speed and gem discovery.

• Gold Pickaxe crafted at a Crafting Table using gold materials. Significantly improved gem discovery rates. With a Gold Pickaxe, you can find raw diamonds.

• Diamond Pickaxe the highest tier, crafted using diamond materials. Provides the best chance of finding the rarest gemstones including Pink Diamond and other top-tier specimens.

Crafting higher-tier pickaxes requires materials obtained from lower-tier mining, creating a natural progression loop. You mine with a Stone Pickaxe to gather copper, use copper to craft or buy a better pickaxe, and continue upgrading. Each pickaxe tier is also a separate entry in the Collection Log's Tools section.

The Collecting and Handiwork skills

Mining is connected to two skills in inZOI:

• Collecting the core gathering skill. Increases through mining and other gathering activities. Higher Collecting skill levels improve your Zoi's tool efficiency and the quality of items found. The higher your skill and tool tier, the more likely you are to find uncommon or rare items.

• Handiwork the crafting skill tied to gem cutting and tool creation. As your Zoi's Handiwork skill level increases, they unlock more advanced cutting techniques that produce higher-quality jewels. Higher-quality polished jewels sell for significantly more Meow than raw gemstones. Handiwork can only be increased by crafting items at a Crafting Table.

Children have a related skill called Curious Mind, which can be increased through fishing and mining activities, giving younger Zois a head start in gathering.

Gemstone types

inZOI features a diverse collection of raw gemstones organized into several families. The Collection Log organizes gems into rows by mineral family:

Mica family

The first row of the gemstone collection consists of mica minerals:

• Red Mica found in Bliss Bay mining spots. A common mica variant with a distinctive reddish hue.

• Green Mica exclusively found in Dowon (Harang River Park area). This is one of the few gemstones tied to a specific region, making it a must-visit for players who primarily mine in Cahaya or Bliss Bay.

Sodalite family

The second row features sodalite-type minerals:

• Blue Sodalite Mineral found in Bliss Bay. A blue-toned mineral that is relatively accessible with mid-tier pickaxes.

Crystal family

The third row contains crystal specimens:

• Soul Reap Crystal found in Bliss Bay. A rare crystal type that may require focused mining sessions to obtain.

Precious and semi-precious stones

• Turquoise Raw Stone found in Bliss Bay and Cahaya. A semi-precious gemstone with a distinctive blue-green color.

• Opal Rough available from various mining spots. Valued for its color-shifting properties when cut.

• Black Opal Raw Stone found at Dowon River Park (the fishing area) and in mixed mining spots. This gem requires visiting specific locations.

• Diamond found primarily in silver mining spots. Drop rates improve significantly when the Zoi is in a "Feeling Concentrated" mood state. Requires at least a Gold Pickaxe to find. Use consumables like donuts to maintain concentration during long mining sessions.

• Pink Diamond the rarest gemstone in the game. Described by the community as "the toughest to collect." Requires a Diamond Pickaxe and significant patience. Often found in golden or mixed mining spots. Players report hundreds of mining attempts before finding one.

• Larimar a unique gemstone that can only be collected from underwater sandpiles while snorkeling in Cahaya. Not obtainable through standard overland mining. Requires snorkeling gear.

• Pearl found in underwater sandpiles while snorkeling and also by digging sand piles at Cahaya Beach and Bliss Bay Beach. The Collection Log requires collecting 8 pearl specimens to complete the entry, and they are considered extremely rare.

Ore and base materials

In addition to gemstones, mining yields functional materials:

• Iron Ore common from most mining spots. Used in tool crafting.

• Silver Ore obtained from silver-type mining spots. Used for crafting higher-tier tools.

• Copper Ore obtained from copper-type mining spots. Used for crafting.

• Stone the most basic mining yield. Used in crafting Stone Pickaxes and other starter tools.

Snorkeling for gems

Some gemstones, notably Larimar and Pearl, can only (or primarily) be obtained from underwater sandpiles accessed through snorkeling. To go snorkeling, your Zoi must first purchase snorkeling gear from a snorkeling stand in Cahaya. One convenient location is in the middle of Barat Beach on the right side of the Cahaya map. Three tiers of snorkeling sets are available: Beginner Set, Diver Set, and Ocean Pro Set.

Your Zoi must also develop their Swimming skill before they can dive effectively. Practicing holding breath and swimming exercises in the water helps level this skill. Once underwater, Zois can explore coral reefs and ancient temples, encounter marine life including dolphins, sharks, and jellyfish, and mine underwater sandpiles for gemstones.

Mining locations

Cahaya

Cahaya is the primary mining region with the highest concentration of mining spots:

• Xiang Park one of the most reliable mining areas in the game. Multiple deposits in a relatively compact space. A popular spot for extended mining sessions.

• Bliss Garden a peaceful area that frequently yields gemstones.

• Cahaya Farmland mining spots scattered across the agricultural areas.

• Deserted Island accessible by boat. A premium location for farming high-quality minerals and rarer mining spot types.

• Underwater sandpiles accessible while snorkeling. The only source for Larimar and a primary source of Pearls.

Dowon

Dowon has mining spots primarily around:

• Harang River Park mining deposits found along the riverbanks alongside the fishing spots. This is the only location for Green Mica.

• Various park and green spaces throughout the city.

Bliss Bay

Bliss Bay features mining spots near:

• Bliss Bay School area a known hotspot for rare gems according to the community. Contains multiple mining spot types.

• Beach-adjacent green areas and gardens.

• Sand piles on beaches digging sand piles at Bliss Bay Beach can yield Pearls.

According to community findings, most gemstones in the collection can be found in Bliss Bay, making it a good one-stop region for gem hunters. However, Green Mica is exclusive to Dowon, and Larimar requires snorkeling in Cahaya.

Gem cutting

Raw gemstones can be refined into polished jewels at a Crafting Table, which is purchasable through Build Mode. The Crafting Table has two interaction types: Tool Crafting (for making pickaxes, fishing rods, watering cans, and pitchforks) and Jewelry Crafting (for cutting raw gems into polished jewels). Gem cutting is tied to the Handiwork skill as your Zoi's Handiwork skill level increases, they unlock more advanced cutting techniques.

The cutting process produces a finished jewel that can be:

• Sold for Meow through a Market Stall, Secondhand Sale Stall, or the Pocket Market app

• Displayed as decoration in your Zoi's home

• Used as materials for crafting higher-tier tools (e.g., Diamond Pickaxe, Diamond Fishing Rod)

• Equipped as accessories on your Zoi

Selling gems and profitability

Gems can be sold in the same ways as other items: through a Market Stall placed via Build Mode, a Secondhand Sale Stall, or the Pocket Market smartphone app. Raw gemstones sell for less than their polished counterparts, so investing time in gem cutting via the Crafting Table is generally worthwhile. Prices change daily, so check before selling. The rarer the gem, the higher the sale price. Pink Diamond and Diamond are among the most valuable items you can sell.

Mining can be a steady income source, particularly when combined with gem cutting to maximize the value of each raw stone. The primary appeal for many players is Collection Log completion rather than pure profit.

Mood states and rare gem finding

The "Feeling Concentrated" mood state significantly improves the chances of finding rare gems like Diamond and Pink Diamond. Players can maintain this mood by consuming certain items:

• Donuts a popular consumable for maintaining concentration. One community strategy involves having a Zoi eat a donut every 12 in-game hours to stay permanently concentrated during mining sessions.

• Other mood-boosting consumables and activities can also trigger or maintain concentration.

Higher skill levels in Collecting also improve the quality of items found during mining sessions.

Collection Log integration

All collected gemstones and mined materials are tracked in the Collection Log under the Mining category. The Collection Log shows which gemstones you have found and which remain undiscovered (shown as silhouettes). Completing gemstone sets unlocks exclusive furniture rewards. The Jewels section of the Collection Log separately tracks polished jewels created at Crafting Tables.

Completing the full gemstone collection is considered one of the more challenging achievements in inZOI due to location-exclusive gems (Green Mica in Dowon, Larimar from underwater sandpiles, Black Opal from mixed spots), the need for high-tier pickaxes, and the extreme rarity of Pink Diamond.

Tips and strategies

• Buy a pickaxe from the Farm Store in Cahaya as early as possible. Mining by hand is very slow.

• Upgrade your pickaxe progressively. Each tier unlocks new gemstone possibilities. You need at least a Gold Pickaxe to find diamonds.

• Visit Xiang Park in Cahaya for the densest concentration of mining spots.

• Try the Deserted Island in Cahaya (accessible by boat) for rarer mining spots with higher-quality minerals.

• Remember to visit Dowon specifically for Green Mica, it cannot be found anywhere else.

• For Larimar, invest in snorkeling gear from Cahaya and mine the underwater sandpiles. You also need to level your Swimming skill.

• For Pearls, dig sand piles at Cahaya Beach and Bliss Bay Beach, or mine underwater sandpiles while snorkeling.

• Keep your Zoi in a "Feeling Concentrated" mood state when hunting for diamonds and rare gems. Donuts consumed every 12 in-game hours help maintain this.

• Cut raw gems at a Crafting Table before selling. Polished jewels are worth significantly more than raw stones, and prices change daily.

• Mining pairs well with fishing and gardening since mining spots are often near fishing and farming areas in Cahaya.

• Check the Collection Log descriptions for each undiscovered gem, they contain hints about which mining spot type and location yields each specific stone.