This is a datapack that changes the way diamonds are harvested to add a little more challenge to the game.
this pack revamps the way diamonds work to make it feel more challenging to obtain and valuable again, which in turn makes Netherite seem even more end-game.

1) Diamond Ore & Deepslate Diamond Ore drop themselves instead of diamonds, much like how iron and gold ores used to.

2) Smelting diamond ore in a furnace gets you only stone

3) but smelting in a blast furnace gets you diamond shards! The equivalent of iron or gold nuggets.

4) Crafting together nine diamond shards gets you one diamond.

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this was made and tested in 1.20.1
(Future features may be a rework or balance based on user experience, raw diamond?)

comments, suggestions, bugs, and requests are appreciated!