Philosopher's Stone

The Philosopher's Stone, was a man-made, blood-red stone with magical properties. It could be used to create the Elixir of Life, which extended the drinker's lifespan, as well as transform any metal into pure gold.

The famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel created the only known Philosopher's Stone in existence. Flamel used the Elixir of Life made from the stone to extend his and his wife Perenelle's lifespan for centuries.

1991
"I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected"

- Professor McGonagall

In 1991 the Philosopher's Stone became the target of the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort in his quest for immortality. Voldemort used a human host, Quirinus Quirrell, to seek it out at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where it was being held. The stone was originally stored at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in vault 713. However, possibly suspecting a threat, Albus Dumbledore had Rubeus Hagrid retreive the stone the very morning of an attempted robbery.

After that, the Stone was placed in a special chamber and guarded by seven enchantments and creatures: A massive Three-headed dog named Fluffy; a web of Devil's Snare; charmed, flying keys; a life-size board of Wizard's Chess; a mountain troll; a potion riddle; and the Mirror of Erised. In order to keep it safe, Dumbledore forbade the third-floor corridor to all students.

Harry Potter and his schoolmates and best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger suspected that the stone would be stolen. In overhearing out-of-context conversations, they believed the thief would be Hogwarts Professor Severus Snape.

Harry felt compelled to protect the stone and he and his friends, using intellectual power and heroism far exceeding their years, fought past the obstacles, until finally Harry was forced to face Quirrell and Lord Voldemort himself. In the final showdown, Quirrell lost his life, and Lord Voldemort lost his hold on the physical world.

After securing the stone, Dumbledore and Flamel discussed its future, and agreed that it was best to destroy it. Flamel ensured he had enough remaining elixir to set his affairs in order before he would ultimately die.

Behind the scenes

 * The Stone is known in the US books and films as the Sorcerer's Stone, which is also the name of the US book & movie.
 * The Potion-Riddle and the Troll Guardian were not shown in the film version. However, the Potion-Riddle was included as a viewer-playable extra on the DVD release. This is comical as Snape and Quirrell are the ones who are suspected of stealing the stone.
 * The Stone is similar to the Philosopher's Stone in Full Metal Alchemist, having special and rare, sought-after properties as well as bearing the same color and name.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Notes and references
Pierre Philosophale Философский камень