![Picture](/uploads/2/6/9/8/26987165/2020620.jpeg)
There are 5 different tool levels for 5 different tools. The weakest is wood and gold while the strongest is diamond. Shovels are used on dirt, gravel, and sand. Hoes are used for farming land, dirt and grass blocks. Pickaxes are used to mine different ores and stone. Axes are used to harvest wood and wooden byproducts. Swords are used to fight/kill mobs.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/9/8/26987165/5799371.jpeg)
There are currently (in 1.7.9) 8 different ores in minecraft. each ore is different for different uses. Coal is used as a fuel source and is used for torches. Iron ore needs stone to mine it, yields 1 iron ore. Redstone is used for traps and such. lapis is used for decoration and coloring. gold is weak and easily enchanted. Diamond is 2nd rarest ore, all tools and armor last longer if made of diamond. Emerald is rarest, used in villager trades. Nether Quartz is used for decoration.