Java Edition:Ice (Item)

Ice as an item wasn't supposed to be available until 12w17a (1.3 snapshot) but was obtainable three times before this.

Obtaining

Beta 1.6 Test Build 3 Debug Chests

In Beta 1.6 Test Build 3, any newly generated world would contain up to 11 debug chests with every item in the game. The ice item was obtainable in the chests 3rd and 7th from the left in the 21st and 5th slots respectively, in stacks of 64.

3rd Beta 1.6 Test Build 3 Chest
7th Beta 1.6 Test Build 3 Chest

Silk Touch

When Silk Touch was first introduced in Beta 1.9 Prerelease 4, it could be used to mine many blocks that weren't supposed to be obtained. These included spawners, lit furnaces, and stone monster eggs. Ice could also be collected in this version. In Beta 1.9 Prerelease 6 ice was changed to not be collectible via Silk Touch due to the exploit allowing water in the Nether. Once this bug was fixed they readded Silk Touch's ability to get ice in 12w17a (1.3 snapshot). The player can find the ice to mine in cold biomes and expose water to the sky to let it freeze in these biomes too. Note: a pickaxe with both Fortune and Silk Touch will also work to collect ice.

B Creative

In versions RC1 and 11w49a (1.1 Snapshot), pressing B would toggle the player between Survival and Creative mode. This allows the player to access the Creative Inventory where the player can grab Ice.

Uses

Before 12w17a (1.3 snapshot), the ice item allowed for Water in the Nether when it was melted.