The Mystic Ruby
Rarer still than the Alicorn is the mystic ruby, also called a carbuncle, rumored to be found at the horn's base. However, it has not been found consistently in all Unicorns, it is possible that the "ruby" is some kind of distillation of the concentration essence of the horn. It may, perhaps, occur in very old or wise Unicorns and be caused by a crystallization of blood.
Albertus Magnus, alchemist and one of the most influential thinkers of the Middle Ages, believe that the "male carbuncle" to be the king of gems, able to dispel poison, guard from plague and banish sadness, evil thoughts and nightmares. It could be employed as either an amulet or a powder and a good stone would shine so brightly of its own accord as to be visible through clothing.
The stone is mentioned in one of the romances of Alexander the Great. In the Song of Alexander by Pfaffen Lamprecht in the 12th century, we hear a gift from Queen Candace to the conqueror :
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I had from this most wealthy queen A beast of proud and noble mien That bears in his brow the ruby stone And yields himself to maids alone But few such Unicorns are found On this or any other ground, And only such are ever captured As pure virgins have enraptured. No man yet of woman born Endures the terror of his horn. |
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