Redstone

Redstone (or Redstone Dust) is an item that was added in Update 0.8.0. It is obtained from mining Redstone Ore or by killing a Witch.

Obtaining
The Player will collect Redstone Dust from Redstone Ore with an Iron Pickaxe or higher. As of Update 0.14.0, Redstone has a chance to be dropped by Witches when killed, or can be found in Chests near Monster Spawners.

Uses
Redstone is mainly used for wiring to make mechanisms, although this could not be done before Update 0.13.0. It is also a Crafting ingredient used in many components to make such mechanisms. Redstone is also an important ingredient for Brewing, which when used extends a Potion's effect period for a certain amount of time.

Crafting

 * 6 Gold Ingots + 1 Stick + 1 Redstone => 1 Powered Rail
 * 6 Iron Ingots + 1 Stone Pressure Plate + 1 Redstone => 6 Detector Rails
 * 4 Iron Ingots + 1 Redstone => 1 Compass
 * 4 Gold Ingots + 1 Redstone => 1 Clock
 * 1 Block of Redstone => 9 Redstone
 * 9 Redstone => 1 Block of Redstone
 * 1 Redstone + 1 Stick => 1 Redstone Torch
 * 8 Wooden Planks + 1 Redstone => 1 Note Block
 * 4 Redstone + 1 Glowstone => 1 Redstone Lamp
 * 7 Cobblestone + 1 Redstone => 1 Dropper
 * 7 Cobblestone + 1 Redstone + 1 Bow => 1 Dispenser
 * 3 Stone + 2 Redstone Torch + 1 Redstone => 1 Redstone Repeater
 * 3 Wooden Planks + 4 Cobblestone + 1 Iron Ingot + 1 Redstone => 1 Piston
 * 6 Cobblestone + 2 Redstone + 1 Nether Quartz => 1 Observer

Trivia

 * Redstone could not be placed as wiring before Update 0.13.0.
 * The strength of the Redstone signal decreases with length, and can travel a maximum of 15 blocks before a Redstone Repeater is needed to boost the signal strength. The strength of the signal is reflected in the brightness on the wire.
 * Before Update 0.8.0, Minecraft PE had a Splash Message saying "Redstone Free" because Redstone could not be placed.
 * The best place to find Redstone is the 16th layer from Bedrock.
 * Like most other Ores, Redstone is commonly found near Lava.
 * Placed Redstone Dust emits particles when powered according to signal strength.
 * Version Exclusive: Redstone wire appears in a "plus" sign (+) shape instead of a dot.
 * Version Exclusive: As of 0.15.3, Redstone automatically connects to adjacent inputs.
 * When a Player or Mob steps on Redstone Ore, it will start emitting particles and light.
 * The amount of the particles can be increased when the amount of players and/or mobs standing on it increases.
 * Redstone wiring can only be placed 1 block vertically.