Karkotis

The Karkotis is a mythical gemstone described in ancient and medieval lapidaries, primarily associated with its purported ability to reveal hidden treasures and secrets. It is often described as a stone of great brilliance and is sometimes linked to royal or divine ownership.

The Karkotis appears in various texts, most notably within the Alexander Romance tradition and related literature circulating in the Middle Ages. Details regarding its origin and specific properties vary depending on the source. Some accounts describe it as originating from the East, possibly India, a common attribution for many precious and exotic items in medieval bestiaries and lapidaries.

The primary characteristic consistently attributed to the Karkotis is its ability to expose concealed objects. This ability ranges from revealing buried gold and jewels to uncovering secret passageways and hidden intentions. The mechanisms by which the Karkotis performs this task are not typically elaborated upon; it's often simply presented as an inherent magical property of the stone itself.

While the Karkotis is mentioned in texts discussing gems and their properties, it lacks a concrete physical description beyond its brilliance. This ambiguity, coupled with its magical properties, places the Karkotis firmly within the realm of legend rather than mineralogy. It is considered a legendary gemstone, not a real mineral.