Zcash Limits Orchard Pool and Introduces Ironwood to Strengthen Supply Verification

Zcash (ZEC) has limited the existing Orchard pool and introduced the Ironwood pool to prevent errors in the zero-knowledge proof system. A Turnstile device has been installed between Orchard and Ironwood, placing a cap on the funds that can move from Orchard to Ironwood, thereby restricting the circulation of counterfeit coins. The project Tachyon explains that the Turnstile has a structure that limits the total amount, making it difficult for counterfeit coins remaining in Orchard to circulate as additional supply. Zcash operates a shielded pool that does not disclose the transaction parties and amounts, verifying the legitimacy of transactions through zero-knowledge proofs. However, if there is a defect in the proof circuit, there is a possibility of generating counterfeit ZEC. The vulnerability of Orchard was discovered on May 29, 2026, and a patch was implemented afterward. With this measure, no new shield outputs can be created in Orchard, and existing funds can be moved to Ironwood through the Turnstile or withdrawn to transparent addresses. Ironwood was designed to reduce the risks associated with Orchard and applies formal verification to mathematically prove security conditions. Ironwood was activated with the NU6.3 upgrade on July 28, 2026. The maximum supply of Zcash is 21 million ZEC.

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