Nether Bricks

Nether Bricks are a type of block used to form generated structures in the Nether, making up a majority of Nether Fortresses, forming their walls and supporting pillars. Nether brick does not generate anywhere else in the nether. As of Snapshot 13w01a, the Nether Brick can be crafted from Nether Brick (Item). Nether Brick can be crafted into Nether brick stairs, Nether brick fences and Nether brick slabs. Also, Nether Brick is immune to Ghast fireballs and other attacks making it a suitable shelter material in the Nether. Nether bricks take approximately one second to mine with a stone pickaxe, which is a little shorter than the time required to mine normal stone.

Nether brick does not burn continuously, unlike Netherrack. It appears similar to the brick block, but is textured differently. When walking on it, it makes the same step sound as stone. So far, the only uses for Nether brick are for crafting stairs, fences, and as use as a decoration. Note that wood is a better material for fences because only three blocks of wood are required for six fence posts (three wood = 12 planks = 24 sticks = six fences + an extra two), whereas six Nether bricks are required for the same number of fence posts.

In the future
Jeb has tweeted that in 1.5 (The Redstone Update), Nether bricks may be craftable. The crafting recipe and the item are implemented in Snapshot 13w01a. Nether Brick (item)