According to Osho, iron never literally becomes gold or the philosopher’s stone; these are poetic symbols. The “philosopher’s stone” signifies satsang—communion with the awakened—through which our already-golden essence remembers itself. “Iron turns to gold” means sleep turns to awareness. When awakening becomes total, one not only awakens oneself but can awaken others—then the “iron” itself is the philosopher’s stone.
No, not in a lab; it’s a symbol that you’re already gold inside, and being with someone awake helps you remember—until you’re so awake you can help others too.