Cortex

Cortex functions primarily as a cosmetic reconstruction of gemstones, and a overhaul of the Netherite system for a more interesting and engaging gameplay. No additional ores or blocks have been added.

Dripstone is now not ugly (everyone cheered). See gallery.

Gemstones

• Non-metal ores (emeralds, diamonds) have been changed to drop raw material that must be polished (right-clicked) on a grindstone before use.
• Redstone and lapis lazuli now also spawn with varied formations on top of them. Their drop counts have been reduced slightly.

!Redstone and lapis formations in a cave

• Copper ore spawning has been reduced significantly.
• The appearance of diamond, its tools and armor, has been changed to reflect a "more real" color.

!Showcase of new diamond armor, slightly bluer and paler

Netherite

Ancient debris is not an ore anymore. Instead it is now a proper deposit under some fossils in soul sand valleys, and ruined portals (only in the Nether).
It operates under the same system as archeology, making "suspicious netherrack" not a mineable block.

!Ancient debris deposit 4 layers under a fossil

• Suspicious netherrack can drop ancient debris scraps, or eventually a full ancient debris. You can craft ancient debris with 9 scraps.
• Ancient debris must then be smelted. Holding the then molten debris on your left hand, and a diamond pickaxe in your right one, right click an anvil to hammer it into a netherite ingot.
• Netherite smithing templates have been disabled. You can apply netherite to a piece at any anvil for the cost of 5 levels.