> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fragmetric.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Staking

## Staking

```mermaid theme={null}

graph TD
    User[User]
    ValidatorNetwork[Solana Validator Network]
    Yield[Solana Staking Yield]

    User -->|1: Stake SOL| ValidatorNetwork
    ValidatorNetwork -->|2: Generates Yield| Yield
    ValidatorNetwork -->|3: Unstake SOL & Yield| User

    classDef user fill:#00BCD4,color:#fff,stroke:#0097A7,stroke-width:2px
    classDef validator fill:#00ACC1,color:#fff,stroke:#007C91,stroke-width:2px
    classDef yield fill:#8BC34A,color:#fff,stroke:#689F38,stroke-width:2px

    class User user
    class ValidatorNetwork validator
    class Yield yield


```

Staking on Solana involves locking up SOL tokens with validators to support network security and decentralization. Validators are responsible for processing transactions, maintaining blockchain integrity, and are rewarded in SOL tokens. Users who delegate their SOL to validators earn staking yields, incentivizing active participation in securing the network.

## Liquid Staking Token (LST)

```mermaid theme={null}
graph TD
    User[User]
    LSTProtocol[LST Minting Protocol]
    ValidatorNetwork[Solana Validator Network]
    Yield[Solana Staking Yield]

    User -->|1: Stake SOL| LSTProtocol
    LSTProtocol -->|3: Stake SOL| ValidatorNetwork
    ValidatorNetwork -->|Generates Yield| Yield
    ValidatorNetwork -->|4: Return SOL & Yield| LSTProtocol
    LSTProtocol -->|2: Mint LST to User| User
    User -->|5: Redeem LST| LSTProtocol
    LSTProtocol -->|6: Return SOL & Yield| User

    classDef user fill:#00BCD4,color:#fff,stroke:#0097A7,stroke-width:2px
    classDef protocol fill:#FFC107,color:#000,stroke:#FFA000,stroke-width:2px
    classDef validator fill:#00ACC1,color:#fff,stroke:#007C91,stroke-width:2px
    classDef yield fill:#8BC34A,color:#fff,stroke:#689F38,stroke-width:2px

    class User user
    class LSTProtocol protocol
    class ValidatorNetwork validator
    class Yield yield

```

A **Liquid Staking Token (LST)** represents SOL staked through liquid staking protocols such as Marinade (mSOL) or Jito (jitoSOL). LSTs enable holders to maintain liquidity while earning staking rewards, effectively combining the benefits of staking with DeFi flexibility. Users can freely trade or use these tokens in DeFi applications, maximizing their capital efficiency.