Particles

Particles are a type of Entity in Minecraft; they are graphical effects. The particles always seem to "look" at the player and will usually dissapear after a short period of time

You can reduce the amount of particles visible in the Options menu.

Types of Particles
In Minecraft's code one can find a variety of particles. To help modders or for curious players below is displayed the types of particles and its real name shown on the game's code. Particles collide with solid blocks and are slowed down by cobwebs, but are unaffected by other entities. Each particle texture is 8x8 pixels.

Particle-detector
A Particle detector activates a redstone output, whenever a particle drops near from the detector. Every particle (block-breaking-particles,snowballs,splash-potions,eggs,etc..) is detectable, as shown here:

(Particle-detector)

Trivia

 * Most particle colors can be changed using texture packs, however the color of smoke particles used in redstone, portals, and Endermen can't be changed without mods or third-party tools. (They will always be red or purple)


 * Mobs spawned using a Monster Spawner emit smoke particles when spawning.

Gallery
Partikel