The
philosopher's stone, or
stone of the philosophers is a legendary
alchemical substance capable of turning
base metals such as
mercury into gold or silver. It is also able to extend one's life and called the
elixir of life, useful for
rejuvenation and for achieving
immortality; for many centuries, it was the most sought-after goal in
alchemy. The philosopher's stone was the central symbol of the mystical terminology of alchemy, symbolizing perfection at its finest,
enlightenment, and heavenly bliss. Efforts to discover the philosopher's stone were known as the
Magnum Opus ("Great Work").