Blaze Rod

Blaze Rods are used to craft Brewing Stands. For that reason, they are a vital resource for brewing potions and also because of Blaze Powder. They are dropped from Blaze, mobs which are found in or near Nether fortresses. Blazes shoot fire at the player and appear to be made of this item, hence the name "blaze rods."

Usage
Blaze rods can be crafted into two blaze powders or a brewing stand with three cobblestone. They can also be used as fuel for Furnaces, lasting 120 seconds. Due to the ease in obtaining rods, and their efficiency when compared to coal (120 seconds vs. 80 seconds) Blaze Rods make an excellent source of fuel if you have a large amount of them. Blaze rods can also be crafted into blaze powder, that can be combined with an Ender Pearl to create an Eye of Ender.

History
The Blaze Rod was first added in the Beta 1.9 Pre-Release. They had no use until Beta 1.9 Pre-Release 2, where Blaze Powder, crafted from Blaze Rods, was added. Beta 1.9 Pre-Release 3 added Brewing Stands made using a Blaze Rod.

Trivia

 * Blaze rods are held like items. Sticks on the other hand, are held like tools.
 * The Blaze Rods texture appears to be derived from the stick texture.