Mining Multiple Chains with One Computer
Imagine if you could solve three different puzzles with a single guess - that’s merged mining. Invented by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010, Quai has revolutionized this concept to create the most efficient blockchain network ever built. The Innovation:- Traditional mining: One computer, one chain, limited throughput
- Quai merged mining: One computer, three chains, 10,000x more efficient than Bitcoin*
- Shared security: All chains protected by full network hashrate
- Automatic bridges: Cross-chain transactions without intermediaries
- Maximum efficiency: 10,000x better energy usage per transaction
How It Works
Simple Explanation: When a miner generates a potential solution (nonce), they check it against three different difficulty levels:- Prime chain: Hardest difficulty (like rolling three sixes)
- Region chain: Medium difficulty (like rolling two sixes)
- Zone chain: Easiest difficulty (like rolling one six)
- Same computation, triple the results
- No extra energy needed
- All chains stay perfectly synchronized
Natural Cross-Chain Bridges
What are Coincident Blocks? Sometimes a miner gets lucky and finds a solution that works for multiple chains at once - like winning multiple lottery tickets with one number. Why This Matters:- Automatic bridges: No need for complex bridging protocols
- Zero trust required: Pure math ensures security
- Natural occurrence: Happens automatically through mining
Revolutionary Energy Efficiency
The Math is Simple:- Same energy input: One mining operation
- 3x more blockchains: Prime, region, and zone
- 10,000x more transactions: Through parallel processing
- Bitcoin: ~487 kWh per transaction
- Quai: ~0.05 kWh per transaction
- Your transaction uses less energy than boiling a kettle