Orphan Block

An Orphan Block is a valid block that was mined but not included in the main blockchain because another block was accepted into the chain first. This often happens when two miners solve a block at nearly the same time, but only one can become part of the main chain.

Why Orphan Blocks Occur

Blockchain networks, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, can temporarily fork when two blocks are found simultaneously. Eventually, the network chooses the longest valid chain, and the competing block that isn’t selected becomes an orphan. Although it’s valid, it doesn’t contribute to the final blockchain history.

The Role of Orphan Blocks in Blockchain Security

While orphan blocks don’t impact end-user transactions, they demonstrate the decentralized competition between miners and help highlight how consensus is reached in real time. They also serve as a natural mechanism to maintain the integrity and consistency of the blockchain.