Java Edition unused features

Since development was started on it, there have been a number of features that were proposed by Notch for Minecraft that were ultimately unimplemented.

Note that this page only documents features that were planned at one time but have since been cancelled or fallen into limbo; features that are currently definitively planned for inclusion instead should be listed on Upcoming features.

Partially implemented
Several planned features made it as far as being partially implemented (e.g. by having images created and added to the sprite sheets, or behavior code added to the game), or even fully functioning in-game, before being dropped.

Crying Obsidian
Crying Obsidian was a planned feature for Minecraft for setting a new spawn point. It could be crafted using Obsidian and Lapis Lazuli. The most recent bed you have slept in sets the spawn point, and will stay there until the bed is destroyed or sleeping in another bed. This may have replaced the 'setting a spawn point' idea.

Dirt Slab
Before Stone Slabs were officially added to the game, Notch did a test with Dirt Slabs, although they were never officially added.

Fish
Originally, Fish were planned to be implemented in the Halloween Update, but, since Notch had limited time, he was only able to add Fish as an item. There is no model for the mob at this point (1.2.5).

Gear
Gears were supposed to be added in Indev but never were, though (when hacked into the inventory) they did nothing when placed on a block. They were effectively removed from the game when Redstone Dust took its data value and its sprite was removed from the game.

Pigman
Pigman are a Mob with the same shape as the player but the skin of a Pig. Notch mentioned that he might add them as Villagers in NPC Villages (which didn't happen), but it is possible that they will be added in the future. They are now added in the nether and when a pig gets hit by lightning.

Purple arrows
Purple arrows were shot by Skeletons in Survival Test and acted the same as regular Arrows, but texture is not currently in use.

Quiver
Although the sprite for a Quiver has been in the game since Indev, almost nothing is known about it (although, presumably, it would be used to hold arrows). Jeb has stated that he is not going to add Quivers, although it is unknown whether Notch has any plans.

Dropped
These features were planned at one point but later denied.

Lantern
Lanterns were originally planned to be used as permanent light sources (and Torches to be made temporary), but Lanterns were officially denied by Notch at MineCon 2011. They have been replaced by Redstone Lamps.

Whales
Whales were a mob mentioned by Notch in a version of Alpha before the introduction of Squid. Notch stated he wanted to add a water mob, but eventually added Squid instead.

Joke
Notch has frequently joked about adding various features to the game.

During the film The Story of Mojang, Notch jokes about adding 'snowmen that throw snowballs'. However, Snow Golems have been added to the game.
 * Hot dogs.
 * (Lord) Herobrine
 * Locked Chest Or "Steve Co Supply Crate"