# What are Runes?

Runes is a fungible token protocol for the Bitcoin network that aims to be simple and UTXO-based. Rune balances are held by UTXOs, and transactions are identified using specific script conditions. Luminex has launched a set of Rune tools, allowing anyone to effortlessly etch, mint and transfer Runes.

Learn more about Runes in the [Ordinals Theory Handbook](https://docs.ordinals.com/runes.html).


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