How to Break Green Radiation Crystals in Core Keeper

The green crystals that damage you in the Shimmering Frontier are Radiation Crystals. To collect them by mining, you need at least 807 mining damage. Prepare radiation protection before approaching: ordinary armor does not block their radiation damage.

Identify the object first

This guide applies to the green, damaging crystal objects standing on Crystal Block ground in the Shimmering Frontier. The surrounding terrain and the crystal itself are different mining targets. If you mean an ore boulder, follow the ore boulder guide instead.

Radiation Crystals affect a five-tile radius, dealing 80 damage every two seconds to targets without radiation immunity. Before moving close, check your route back to safety and your current health.

Prepare protection and mining damage

Protection before extraction

1. Wear the full Hazmat setHelm + Suit Jacket + Suit Pants. The three-piece effect grants immunity.
2. Check mining damageReach at least 807 mining damage. Check your equipped setup.
3. Hit the crystal itselfUse a qualifying mining tool. The crystal takes five successful hits.
4. Collect and saveEach Hydra scanner uses 3 crystals plus the other recipe ingredients.

Obtain the Hazmat pieces from the Brave Merchant. To house this merchant, place a Nuclear Battery in a valid NPC house. Check mining damage with your tool equipped rather than judging by its material alone.

Why will it not break?

Check that you are hitting the crystal and meeting the mining threshold. Bombs and mortars cannot break this object; use a mining tool that meets the requirement.

What should you save the crystals for?

Each of the Druidra, Crydra and Pyrdra scanners requires 3 Radiation Crystals, alongside 10 Ancient Gemstones, 10 Mechanical Parts and 10 Solarite Bars. Take the materials to the Hydra shrine in the Shimmering Frontier.

Use the boss progression guide to check when these scans fit your route, and the map guide to understand boss markers and shared exploration.