Did A Snake Leave 'Nagamani' In Bihar School? What It Really Is
A crystal-like object, believed to be left behind by a venomous Gehuman snake, has sparked curiosity and panic at a school in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district. Found on the premises of Sahibganj School, the transparent object resembles plastic and is being referred to by locals as a ' Nagamani ', a mythical gem often associated with serpents in folklore. The incident has reignited long-standing myths and prompted speculation about the existence of such objects and their connection to snakes.
Nagamani, or 'snake's gem," is a concept rooted in mythology and folklore, but it lacks scientific evidence. Science clearly states that no such gem or mani is found within the body of snakes. Despite numerous claims of finding such a gem, investigations often reveal that these objects are not genuine.
What Snakes Leave Behind That Are Mistaken For Gems
Some snakes, like cobras, have shiny or spherical scales on their heads that can appear gem-like. Additionally, calcified masses found in a snake's stomach can be mistaken for a 'gem."
Nagamani and its supposed miraculous properties. Despite these stories, there is no scientific basis for the belief that Nagamani can provide miraculous treatment or wealth.
Can Snakes Really Produce Gems?
Science confirms that snakes do not possess the ability to produce gems. Thieves often exploit this myth by selling fake 'Nagamani', usually made of glass or plastic and pasted onto a snake's head. Snakes cannot produce diamonds, pearls, or any other gems due to their body structure.
Glass-Like Particles Snakes Sometimes Leave Behind
Snakes sometimes leave behind shiny, glass-like particles while moving, which are often mistaken for something mysterious. In reality, these are usually tiny scales or remnants of old skin, completely natural byproducts of the shedding process.
Snakes regularly shed their skin, and during this process, small fragments of their upper skin or protein-rich scales may fall off. These scales are made of keratin, the same protein found in human nails and hair. When light hits them, their shiny surface can resemble glass, leading to confusion and myths.
This Snake Shedding Can Also Resemble A Crystal
Snakes have a shiny layer on their skin that reflects light, and when small parts of it break off, they can resemble crystals. Additionally, snakes excrete uric acid instead of liquid urine. This appears as a white, chalky, crystalline substance, which can sometimes look like tiny, shiny particles, often mistaken for something unusual.
This Snake Substance Is Also Mistaken For Nagamani
Some snakes secrete a protein-rich mucus from their skin, which can appear transparent or shiny once dried. These natural secretions are sometimes mistakenly believed to be parts of a ' Nagamani ', a widespread misconception. To date, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of any real object like the Nagamani. Similar myths existed in medieval Europe as well, where a so-called ' Sarpmani ' was believed to have the power to neutralise poison.
When So-Called Nagamanis Turned Out To Be Fake
Materials sold as ' Nagamani ' have often been found to be fake, made of glass, plastic, or animal parts. In 2015, IIT-BHU scientists examined one such item and identified it as calcium carbonate, a common stone. Fraudsters sometimes glue artificial gems onto snakes' heads and sell them for lakhs by falsely claiming they are ' Nagamani '. In 2018, a case from Madhya Pradesh surfaced where a man was duped of Rs 2 crore in such a scam.
Location :
Muzaffarpur, India, India
First Published:
July 24, 2025, 14:50 IST
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