tz3

tz3 is the Tezos implicit account prefix used for addresses that are controlled by a public key on the P-256 curve. In Tezos, implicit accounts come in three prefix families: tz1 for Ed25519, tz2 for Secp256k1, and tz3 for P-256. Each tzN address encodes the public-key hash (PKH) of the account’s controlling key and is represented as a base58-encoded string starting with tz1, tz2, or tz3.

The tz3 prefix identifies that the corresponding private key is on the P-256 curve (also known as secp256r1). The address itself does not reveal the public key; to spend from a tz3 account, the owner must provide a valid P-256 signature corresponding to the transaction. If the public key has not yet been revealed on-chain, a reveal operation is typically required to publish the P-256 public key before other operations can be validated.

Usage and compatibility: tz3 addresses are supported by Tezos wallets, explorers, and tooling that implement the three-curve implicit account scheme. While tz1 (Ed25519) is the most common in the Tezos ecosystem, tz2 and tz3 are available for users or systems that require compatibility with Secp256k1 or P-256 keys.

Security and considerations: The security of a tz3 account depends on the strength of the P-256 key and the security of the private key management. As with other Tezos implicit accounts, funds are associated with the PKH, and control is established through the corresponding private key used to sign operations.