“Shungite”
Pronunciation: shun-gyte
General use: Purifying water, neutralizing electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), and stabilizing the root chakra for physical protection.
Location: Almost exclusively sourced from the Zazhoginsky deposit in the Karelia region of Russia, near Lake Onega.
Time Period: Formed during the Paleoproterozoic era approximately 2 billion years ago; Peter the Great established the first Russian spa, “Martial Waters,” at the shungite deposit in 1719.
Quick Facts
| Fact Category | Brief Note |
| Varieties | Elite Shungite (Noble), Type II Shungite (Black), Type III Shungite (Gray) |
| Chakra Alignment | Root Chakra |
| Affirmation | I am purified, grounded, and shielded from all harmful energies. |
| Vibration Number | Number 4 |
| Element | Earth and Fire |
| Planet | Saturn and Pluto |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio, Capricorn, and Cancer |
| Birthstone | Not traditionally assigned |
| Cleansing | Running Water, Moonlight, or Smudging. (Self-cleansing to an extent). |
| Mineral Class | Mineraloid (Non-crystalline Carbon) |
| Chemical Formula | C (Carbon-based) |
| Crystal System | Amorphous |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 to 4 |
| Primary Color | Lustrous Silver to Matte Black |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Lustre | Metallic to Sub-metallic |
| Refractive Index | Not applicable (Opaque) |
| Specific Gravity | 1.80 to 2.00 |
ART: Contemporary designers often utilize polished Black Shungite to create sleek, monochromatic jewelry and minimalist desk sculptures that serve as functional art for modern, tech-heavy environments.
HIDDEN TRUTH: Scientists are fascinated by Shungite because it contains fullerenes (C60), which are hollow, cage like carbon molecules that act as powerful antioxidants and were once believed to exist only in outer space.
FACT: Unlike most black stones, Shungite is electrically conductive, a property that allows users to verify its authenticity by touching it to a smart phone screen or testing it with a simple battery circuit.
Did you know?
Did you know that Peter the Great ordered every one of his soldiers to carry a piece of Shungite in their backpacks to purify their drinking water, a practice that allegedly prevented dysentery during the Battle of Poltava?
I. Geological Overview of Shungite
Shungite exists as a unique, carbon-rich mineraloid that geologists believe formed from the metamorphosed remains of ancient Precambrian microorganisms. This rare substance occurs in massive beds within the Earth’s crust, where high pressure and temperature transformed organic sediment into a stable, non-crystalline form of carbon. Because it occupies a transitional state between graphite and diamond, it possesses a high carbon concentration that ranges from 30% in common varieties to over 98% in Elite Shungite. This ancient composition gives the stone its characteristic ability to absorb and neutralize organic and inorganic pollutants.
II. Traditional Applications of Shungite
Residents of the Karelia region have relied on the purifying properties of Shungite for centuries, using the stone to line wells and springs to ensure clean, mineral-rich water. In modern holistic practices, individuals place the mineral in drinking water to infuse it with fullerenes or position large pyramids near electronic devices to dampen electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, it remains a favorite material for industrial filtration systems and specialized paints designed to shield sensitive equipment from radio-frequency interference.
III. Holistic Properties & Healing Benefits of Shungite
Shungite provides comprehensive holistic benefits across the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual planes of existence. This mineral acts as a biological catalyst that accelerates the body’s natural detoxification processes. On a physical level, it supports the immune system and reduces oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Mentally, it clears away “brain fog” caused by excessive screen time, while emotionally, it assists in the grounding of erratic thoughts and nervous energy. Spiritually, it serves as a vacuum for the soul, pulling out deep-seated traumas and replacing them with a steady, earth-bound frequency.
- Physical Level: Practitioners believe it assists in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, while also utilizing it to bolster the immune system and protect cells from the damaging effects of radiation.
- Mental Level: The stone acts as a tool for “mental grounding,” helping the user to disconnect from the frantic pace of digital life and encouraging a focused, pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
- Emotional Level: It acts as a primary stabilizer for those experiencing extreme emotional swings or “victim consciousness,” replacing feelings of helplessness with a sturdy sense of personal security and resilience.
- Spiritual Level: It facilitates a connection to the Earth Star Chakra, encouraging the user to stay present in the physical world while maintaining a clear, protected link to the ancient wisdom of the planet.
Metaphysically, the stone’s Amorphous Structure reflects an energy of infinite potential and the ability to absorb and transform energy without becoming “saturated.” Furthermore, the Fullerene Content of Shungite is spiritually interpreted as a geometric vessel for “Universal Light.” Because the stone possesses a High Electrical Conductivity, it is energetically used to “ground out” excess nervous energy. Additionally, its Opaque Black Color serves as a symbol of the “Great Void” from which all creation emerges, while its Age of 2 Billion Years acts as a reminder of the soul’s enduring strength across vast stretches of time.
IV. Care and Use of Shungite
Proper care for Shungite involves maintaining its physical cleanliness—especially when used for water—and ensuring it is regularly cleared of the environmental “noise” it absorbs. Owners must recognize that while Shungite is a transmuter, its surface can accumulate physical films from water minerals or oils that may inhibit its effectiveness.
- Cleansing/Clearing: You should clear your Shungite by rinsing it under warm, running water for several minutes; this “Water” ritual physically removes carbon dust and resets its grounding frequency. Alternatively, you can utilize the smudging method by passing the stone through the smoke of cedar or sage to clear the “EMF static” it has collected from your devices.
- Charging: You can charge your Shungite by placing it on the bare Earth for 24 hours; this “Terrestrial” infusion re-anchors its vibration to the planet’s magnetic core. Furthermore, you may place the stone in direct sunlight for three hours to revitalize its “Fullerene” energy; however, ensure the stone is dry, as sunlight on wet Shungite in a container can promote algal growth.
- Water Purification: You should utilize Elite Shungite for water infusion by placing 50-70 grams of the stones per liter of filtered water and allowing them to sit for 24 hours; this creates “Shungite Water,” which practitioners use for drinking or washing the skin. Additionally, you may utilize Shungite plates as a “charging base” for other crystals to clear their energetic fields without the need for light or smoke.
V. History of Shungite
The history of Shungite is defined by its legendary association with healing waters and the patronage of the Russian Tsars. Local folklore in the village of Shunga spoke of a “magic stone” that healed the sick, a claim that eventually reached the Russian court in the 17th century. After Peter the Great experienced the curative effects of the Karelia springs, he established the first official Russian health resort and mandated that his military use the stone for sanitation. In the late 20th century, the discovery of fullerenes within the stone earned researchers a Nobel Prize, finally providing a scientific basis for the stone’s ancient reputation.
VI. Crystallography of Shungite
| Crystal System | Amorphous: Lacks an internal crystalline lattice, representing fluid and adaptive energy. |
| Carbon Structure | Contains Fullerenes (C60, C70), hollow spherical molecules that act as free-radical sponges. |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.5 x 10³ S/m: Highly conductive, allowing it to act as a natural “ground” for electricity. |
| Porosity | Up to 5%: A void-filled structure that assists in the absorption of organic and inorganic toxins. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 3.8 W/m·K: Efficiently transfers heat, symbolizing its ability to “move” stagnant energy. |
| Density | 1.80 – 2.00 g/cm³: Remarkably lightweight for its size, especially the “Elite” variety. |
| Fracture Type | Conchoidal to Uneven: Breaks with glass-like or grainy surfaces depending on carbon grade. |
| Lustre | Sub-metallic to Matte: “Elite” varieties are highly reflective, while “Black” varieties are dull. |
| Chemical Composition | Primarily Carbon (C) with trace minerals like Quartz, Mica, Albite, and Pyrite. |
| Age | ~2.2 Billion Years: One of the oldest carbon-bearing formations on the planet. |
Sources & Credits
Sources
- Mindat.org, Hudson Institute of Mineralogy. Shungite (Carbon-rich Mineraloid) Data, Origins in Karelia, and Formation
- Wikipedia. Shungite: History, Industrial Uses, and the Geochemistry of Lake Onega Deposits
- Healthline. Purported Healing Benefits of Shungite: EMF Shielding, Inflammation, and Water Purification
- “The Book of Stones” by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian. The use of Shungite for grounding, EMF protection, and energetic clearing (Source for Section III and IV).
- American Mineralogist / MDPI Minerals. Removal of Impurities from Shungite and the Science of Fullerene-Bearing Rocks (Scientific verification of conductivity and composition).
- “The Crystal Bible” by Judy Hall. Metaphysical properties of Shungite for chakra balancing and negative energy absorption (Source for Section III).
