# Touchstone > [!summary] > *The touchstone (cintamani) is a mystical gem that transforms iron into gold while remaining unchanged itself. This powerful analogy explains how the Lord transforms His energies while remaining transcendentally unaffected.* ## The Lord as Touchstone ### Transforming Yet Unchanged The Supreme Lord transforms His innumerable energies into the cosmic creation, yet He remains unchanged—just like a touchstone that turns iron to gold but remains the same. ![[cc/adi/7/125|touchstone...turns iron to gold and yet remains the same]] —Cc. [[cc/adi/7/125|Adi 7.125]] See also: [[cc/adi/7/126|Cc. Adi 7.126]] ## Touchstone & Devotional Service ### Transforming Power of Bhakti Devotional service has the transforming power of a touchstone—it changes everything into spiritual gold. The reactions of karma stop completely. ![[sb/1/6/28#purport|influence of a touchstone upon iron]] —SB [[sb/1/6/28|1.6.28]] Purport ## Touchstone & Pure Devotee ### Saints Transform Others The pure devotee is compared to a touchstone—by contact with him, others are transformed spiritually. See: [[sb/2/9/35|SB 2.9.35]], [[cc/madhya/24/277|Cc. Madhya 24.277]] ## Touchstone & The Lord ### All-Fulfilling Gem The Lord fulfills all desires like a touchstone—whatever one approaches Him for, He can bestow. ![[sb/5/19/3#purport|touchstone]] —SB [[sb/5/19/3|5.19.3]] Purport See also: [[cc/madhya/6/171|Cc. Madhya 6.171]] ## Touchstone & Sacred Conversations ### Ramananda Raya's Talks The conversations between Lord Caitanya and Ramananda Raya are compared to touchstone and a mine of gems—inexhaustible spiritual treasure. ![[cc/madhya/8/294|touchstone]] —Cc. [[cc/madhya/8/294|Madhya 8.294]] *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/gold|Gold & Gems]], [[wiki/analogies/iron-fire|Iron & Fire]], [[wiki/analogies/lord-devotee|Lord & Devotee]]*