Shungite Crystal Meaning and Benefits
Healing with Shungite
Shungite is a relatively rare and powerful healing crystal highly sought after for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Composed primarily of carbon and fullerenes, shungite is believed to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, making it a popular choice in holistic and crystal healing circles.
Beyond its detoxifying qualities, shungite is often used as a natural antihistamine and may assist in relieving various types of pain, including joint discomfort, muscle tension, and inflammation-related symptoms.
Shungite is considered a grounding and protective crystal ideal for physical and energetic healing.
Shungite’s Protective Properties
One of shungite’s best-known benefits is its ability to shield. Elite shungite, which can contain up to 98% carbon, is believed to protect against geopathic stress and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), making it popular with those looking to minimise exposure from electronic devices.
Shungite can be worn, carried, or placed on or near specific devices to enhance its protective effects.
Emotional and Physical Benefits
Shungite can be used to:- Reduce stress and fatigue
- Support physical well-being
- Strengthen the immune system
- Restore emotional balance
According to the late Judy Hall, author of The Crystal Bible, shungite absorbs negative energy. Therefore, it should be cleansed and charged regularly.
Shungite can be safely exposed to sunlight or be charged beneath a full moon.
Other benefits include clearing stagnant energy and helping to release repetitive patterns of behaviour. Shungite has also been used to help you let go of beliefs that no longer serve you.
Shungite can be used in meditation to cleanse the aura. Its healing properties bring clear vision and promote a positive attitude.
One of shungite's most important benefits is ensuring your glass is always half full instead of half empty. A positive attitude brings freedom, happiness and a notable improvement in the quality of life.
Different Types of Shungite
Elite shungite, which contains the highest percentage of carbon, possesses the full range of metaphysical healing properties.If a stone is not labelled as elite shungite, it's likely to be shungite rock, which may contain some shungite. The amount of carbon in shungite rocks can vary from 5% to 60%.
It’s easy to be misled into buying shungite rock instead of elite shungite. These stones are sometimes marketed as 'black' or 'grey' shungite, with misleading descriptions such as 'Genuine Shungite, 'Powerful Antioxidant Properties'.
If a stone is not 'elite' or 'noble' shungite, it will have less carbon. Elite shungite contains 80% to 98%, which is why it's considered the most powerful for metaphysical and water purification purposes.
Elite shungite is particularly distinctive, making it relatively easy to identify, even from a photograph.
Shungite-bearing rocks typically have a dull lustre, meaning they absorb light instead of reflecting it. These stones, usually black or dark grey, can have a slightly rougher or grainier texture, feeling more like a regular stone.
Shungite-bearing rock is more solid and dense, so it's heavier and less brittle. Because of its naturally dull lustre, it may be highly polished. Impurities of other minerals may also be visible.
Elite shungite is surprisingly lightweight. Its colour is dark brown, veering towards copper or bronze. Its most striking feature is its naturally glossy/shiny texture, so it's never polished.
Elite shungite can be expensive, mainly because of where it's found and its popularity as a healing crystal. For this reason, it's never tumbled and is rarely used for decorative products such as pyramids, charging plates, hearts and spheres.
For many people who want shungite, whether for its metaphysical qualities or decorative appeal, the carbon content isn't always a priority. Shungite-bearing rock is a natural material often chosen because it's within budget, more durable or simply because elite shungite isn’t typically used for decorative items.
Most shungite comes from the original and largest deposit in Karelia, northwest Russia. Due to the current political situation, prices have increased significantly, and it's difficult for retailers to buy because of sanctions, which have led to high tariffs on many goods imported from Russia. Shungite is known to have been used for its healing properties as early as the 18th century. It's widely reported that Peter the Great, who ruled Russia from 1682 until his death, set up a spa in Karelia to use its water-purifying properties. It's claimed he experienced the stone's benefits for himself, but this has not been historically verified.
While Peter the Great was known to be interested in the healing properties of natural springs and established several spa resorts during his reign, no evidence links him directly to shungite.
When using shungite as a healing crystal, it's important to keep an open mind. While there may be anecdotal evidence and personal experiences to support its healing ability, limited scientific evidence exists to back it up.
Shungite is an interesting material that's rare and still relatively unknown.
