What is the philosopher’s stone?

The Harry Potter “Return To Hogwarts” cast reunion was first broadcast on New Year’s Day at 8pm. It’s available to view on Sky and Now in the UK. The documentary marks 20 years since the first novel in the series, The Philosopher’s Stone, was adapted into a film by Warner Brothers. But the philosopher’s stone itself is actually a real-world myth which fascinated alchemists for a long time before J.K. Rowling’s novels came along. Its alchemical symbol was known as the Squared circle.

Could you say popular culture brought it back to life then? Why does the name ring a bell? Is the philosopher’s stone really red? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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