Finding Diamonds (the more efficient way)

[firefudge]

First I'll explain the whereabouts of diamonds.
Diamond are found in layers 1-16 (1 being the bottom of the bedrock), and are usually found in veins.
The most efficient way to mine diamonds is making shafts, easier to explain in a diagram:

O=Shaft
S=Stone
Layer
16 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
15 SOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSOS
14 SOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSOS
13 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
12 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
11 SSOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSO
10 SSOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSO
09 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
08 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
07 SOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSOS
06 SOSSSOSSSOSSSOSSSOS
05 SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
It is very unlikely that there will be diamond only in the middle of the three blocks, and the shafts are staggered to increase the chances. Don't go lower than layer 5 because bedrock is at layer 1-5. Hope this helps :)

[SniperCharlie]

Is the best solution proposed by the elites of minecraft but not satisfactory to Me:p.I prefer to make my branch mines like this:

S=STONE
O=SHAFT

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
SOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSS
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
SSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOS
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
SSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSOSSO
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Like that from 0 to 16 layer and lots of time I found diamonds on 2 patches and even at bedrock level.Acordly to the probabilities leaving 3 blocks is more effective,but I like to "dry" the area where my mine is so,leaving even 2 diamonds behind is unacceptable to me(and than extra coble is always needed)and with this method I found every single piece of minerals(always connected to 3x3 hallways).That's how I mine.:D

[OrkGold]

This kind of makes sense to me, I'll have to try It sometime. Thanks.