#plasma $XPL @Plasma Here is a **~500-word overview of the Plasma token concept** in the context of blockchain and cryptocurrency:
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**Plasma Token – Overview**
The term *Plasma token* is commonly associated with the **Plasma framework**, a blockchain scaling solution originally proposed for Ethereum. Plasma itself is not a single cryptocurrency, but rather a **technology that enables the creation of scalable, secure child blockchains** (also called sidechains) that operate alongside a main blockchain such as Ethereum. Tokens used within Plasma-based systems are often informally referred to as “Plasma tokens.”
**What Is Plasma?**
Plasma was introduced in 2017 by **Vitalik Buterin and Joseph Poon** as a way to improve Ethereum’s scalability. Ethereum’s main chain can process only a limited number of transactions per second, which leads to congestion and high transaction fees. Plasma addresses this problem by allowing most transactions to occur off the main chain while still benefiting from Ethereum’s security.
Plasma works by creating **child chains** that periodically submit cryptographic proofs (Merkle roots) to the Ethereum main chain. If something goes wrong on a child chain, users can exit back to the main chain, protecting their funds. This design reduces the load on Ethereum while maintaining trustlessness.
**Plasma Tokens and Their Role**
A Plasma token is typically a **token used within a Plasma-based child chain**. These tokens can represent cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, NFTs, or other digital assets. They may be:
* Locked on the Ethereum main chain and mirrored on the Plasma chain
* Used for payments, staking, governance, or application-specific functions
* Redeemable back to the main chain through an exit mechanism
