
The color of the beam may be changed by placing blocks of stained glass (or stained glass panes) anywhere above the beacon block.

Combined pyramids do not need to be symmetrical.

Multiple beacons can make use of the same specific mineral blocks below them. This six-Beacon pyramid provides all six effects from a single structure using the fewest mineral blocks possible. This applies to piston-altered pyramids as well. If the pyramid is damaged so that the beacon deactivates, the previously-set powers resume their effects upon reactivation when the pyramid is repaired. Several different block types can be mixed without affecting functionality. The type of mineral block used to build the pyramid is entirely cosmetic and has no functional effect. More pyramid levels make more powers available in a wider affected vicinity.

Pyramids are the structures required to activate beacons. From left to right the pyramid structures decrease in complexity and strength. The four possible pyramid arrangements when using the beacon block.
