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Bitcoin Runes Protocol

The revolutionary fungible token standard built directly on Bitcoin

📜 What are Bitcoin Runes?

Bitcoin Runes is a groundbreaking protocol created by Casey Rodarmor (creator of Bitcoin Ordinals) that enables the creation and transfer of fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Unlike previous token standards, Runes are designed to be simple, efficient, and fully integrated with Bitcoin's UTXO model.

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UTXO Native
Built on Bitcoin's UTXO model for maximum efficiency and compatibility
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Bitcoin Security
Inherits Bitcoin's unmatched security and decentralization
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Fair Launch
Community-driven launches with transparent distribution
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Global Standard
Universal protocol supported across Bitcoin infrastructure

⚙️ How Runes Work

Overview
Protocol
Examples

Runes utilize Bitcoin's OP_RETURN opcode to embed protocol data directly into Bitcoin transactions. Each rune has a unique identifier and can be transferred using standard Bitcoin transactions.

Runestone Structure
Protocol messages called "runestones" define rune operations
Etching
Creating new runes with custom properties and supply
Minting
Claiming new tokens according to rune mint terms
Transferring
Moving runes between Bitcoin addresses using UTXOs

📝 Runestone Messages

Runestones are special Bitcoin transactions that contain protocol instructions. They must follow specific validation rules:

Transaction Structure: • Input 0: Contains witness script with runestone data • Output 0: OP_RETURN with protocol commitment • Additional outputs: Transfer destinations Validation Rules: • Must have valid magic number (0x5243) • Payload must be properly encoded varints • Checksum must match payload hash • Total size must not exceed 80 bytes

⚖️ Balance Model

Runes use a balance-based model within Bitcoin's UTXO framework. Each UTXO can contain multiple rune balances, tracked by indexers that parse runestone messages to maintain state.

Here are some real Bitcoin Runes transactions:

// Etching DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON Rune ID: 1:0 Supply: 100,000,000,000 Divisibility: 0 Symbol: 🐕 Premine: 0 // Minting UNCOMMON•GOODS Rune ID: 2:1 Amount: 1,000 Terms: Open mint, 1000 per tx

🏆 Top Bitcoin Runes

🚀 Why Bitcoin Runes Matter

Bitcoin Runes represent a paradigm shift in how we think about tokens and digital assets. By building directly on Bitcoin, Runes offer unprecedented security, simplicity, and alignment with Bitcoin's values.

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Institutional Grade
Bitcoin's security model provides institutional-level confidence for digital assets
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Global Adoption
Leverages Bitcoin's worldwide recognition and infrastructure
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Regulatory Clarity
Benefits from Bitcoin's established regulatory framework
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Interoperability
Seamless integration with existing Bitcoin wallets and tools