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◈ GLOSSARY · CRYPTO & WEB3

Crypto Mining.

A definition, in plain English — with the books that teach it.

Reviewed by ClearValue Editorial Team · Jun 27, 2026
DEFINITION

What it means

Definition

The process of using computing power to validate transactions and add new blocks to a proof-of-work blockchain, in exchange for newly issued coins plus transaction fees. Miners are essentially racing to solve a math puzzle; whoever wins gets to write the next block. The honest caveat: at home-electricity prices, Bitcoin mining hasn't been profitable for individuals in years — it's an industrial business run on cheap power and purpose-built ASIC chips.

IN PRACTICE

Example

A Bitcoin miner who solves the puzzle today earns 3.125 BTC (post-2024 halving) plus fees — about $200K at $65K/BTC. To have a real shot, they're typically running thousands of ASICs in a warehouse next to a power plant.

RECOMMENDED READING

Books that explain this

Digital gold
Nathaniel Popper
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