Particles

Particles are a graphical effect in Minecraft. Particles always seem to face the player and will usually disappear after a short period of time. They only appear from another entity such as fire.

You can reduce the amount of particles visible in the Options menu. These options range from All to Minimal. All renders all particles, decreased renders half the amount of particles, minimal only renders block breaking particles. As of 14w04b, /particle can be used to spawn particles.

Types of Particles
In Minecraft's code one can find a variety of particles. To help coders or curious players, the types of particles and their coding names in the game's code are displayed below. Particles collide with solid blocks and are slowed down by cobwebs, but are unaffected by other entities. Each particle texture is 8x8 pixels.

Blocks, entities, and events that use particles
Particle names in italic will always be shown, even if the "Minimal" particle setting is used.

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.
 * The rain particles affect the rain sound.
 * Mobs spawned using a Monster Spawner emit smoke particles when spawning.
 * The smoke from the beacon effect is more transparent.
 * Particles are slowed when passing through a Cobweb.
 * If you sprint you will see the footstep particle where your feet were. They are also used by ocelots when running away.
 * Particles will appear where your face is pointing. (Try moving the look stick on Xbox 360 Edition while in a bed with torches near you.)