The greatest military genius, with a high intellect, able to command a single glance and arouse unwavering loyalty, he had immense presence and fortitude. According to legend, Alexander discovered a hidden valley in northern India after defeating the Persian Empire and King Darius. This valley, protected by hundreds of snakes, contained many glittering white stones, the power of which was not known until now. And this is supposedly how diamonds first came to Europe when his victorious army returned.
It is known that Alexander believed in the power of stones, crystals and talismans that could bring success and good luck, and traveled with magicians and necromancers who read the signs of nature and warnings. He always took with him to battles one particular stone found in his homeland of Macedonia, today this crystal is called lorandite. Alexander gave these stones to his generals and soldiers, perhaps because he believed in the crystal's ability to increase concentration in battle and bring success.
Today in Macedonia, one of the few sources of lorandite, there is a mine where the mineral is still found - Alshar in the south of the Balkans. But you cannot get to this place, it is strictly guarded. To this day, there are stories of strange military activities and research at the mine, so even the locals stay away from the area.
Lorandite.
Lorandite, being thallium sulfosalt, has many interesting applications, including helping to study solar neutrinos when used in some nuclear reactions.
But for me the thought that Alexander the Great rushes into battle on his famous horse Bucephalus, fully convinced of his invincibility due to the sparkling red crystal, is something incredible.