Shungite: Crystal Healing Benefits

Shungite in Crystal Healing

Shungite is used in crystal healing for grounding, protection and emotional balance. It's claimed to absorb negative energy, protect against radiation from electronic devices, relieve pain and inflammation, ease allergies, help with sleep and stress, and purify drinking water.

Shungite first appears in Judy Hall's books in The Crystal Bible 3, published in 2013. She describes it as a rare carbon mineral composed of fullerenes, and credits it with "phenomenal shielding power" against electromagnetic emissions, which is the property for which shungite is best known.

She then explains that shungite water, made by immersing the stone for at least 48 hours, is recommended for everything from sore throats and burns to arthritis, diabetes, allergies and chronic fatigue. A pyramid beside the bed is said to counteract insomnia and headaches.

The advice to cleanse shungite frequently and recharge it in the sun is widely reported and is repeated from The Crystal Bible 3.

Shungite for Protection

Within crystal healing circles, shungite is considered one of the most effective stones for protection from negative energy, geopathic stress and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

The Crystal Bible 3 recommends wearing it or placing it near the source of emissions, such as a computer or mobile phone.

In 2014, Shungite: Protection, Healing, and Detoxification by Regina Martino, a French crystal-shop owner and self-described bioenergy practitioner, was published in English. Protection from modern technology dominates the book, with a particular focus on mobile phones, computers and Wi-Fi.

She also states: "Shungite can act as a natural antioxidant, immune booster, pain reliever, and allergen suppressant, shungite and shungite water can be used to treat skin ailments and musculoskeletal diseases, accelerate the healing of cuts and wounds, cleanse internal systems, and increase the body's intake of vital energy."

Both books blur the line between established science and metaphysical belief.

Regina Martino's book and Judy Hall's Crystal Bible 3 arrived at an important time. In 2011, the World Health Organization's cancer agency had classified the radio frequencies used by mobile phones and Wi-Fi as "possibly carcinogenic." Between 2012 and 2015, smartphones, tablets and Wi-Fi at home went from common to universal.

Shungite is now the stone most often recommended for electromagnetic protection, ahead of black obsidian, fluorite, black tourmaline, and lepidolite, all of which are stated as being used for this purpose in the first Crystal Bible.

Shungite's reputation rests on what it's made of: a carbon-rich stone that conducts electricity and contains fullerenes.

Emotional and Physical Benefits

Judy Hall describes shungite as clearing mental and emotional “pollutants”, allowing fresh patterns to develop. She also associates it with retaining the wisdom of past experiences while moving forward. In her account, emotional balance means letting go of repetitive patterns without losing what those experiences have taught you.

Other metaphysical properties attributed to shungite include clearing stagnant energy, encouraging clarity and releasing beliefs that no longer serve you. It's also used in meditation to cleanse the aura.

For sleep and stress, The Crystal Bible 3 recommends placing a shungite pyramid beside the bed. Judy Hall also describes shungite as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine, as well as a source of pain relief.

There is no medical evidence to support any of these claims.

Shungite and the Root Chakra

Shungite is associated with the root chakra, or Muladhara. This chakra is described as the centre of security, survival and connection to the Earth.

This association explains why shungite is believed to be a grounding stone, useful for those seeking stability or who feel unsettled. In this context, “grounding” refers to a connection with Earth energy.

Cleansing and Recharging Shungite

Because shungite is believed to absorb negative energy, crystal healers say it needs to be cleansed regularly and recharged in sunlight.

Cleansing crystals is believed to remove the negative energy they have absorbed, while recharging restores them to their full potential.

Which Type of Shungite for Healing?

Elite shungite has the highest carbon content, which is why crystal healers consider it the most powerful variety.

Much of the shungite sold as tumbled stones, charging plates, spheres and pyramids is shungite-bearing rock. It contains less carbon but is more durable and easier to cut and polish.

Elite shungite is brittle and is mostly sold as raw material. It's also used in jewellery, although its price, rarity and fragility limit its use.

How to distinguish the different grades and what to look for when buying shungite are covered in our article: What Is Shungite and Where Is It From?

A material from Colombia, sometimes sold as “elite shungite”, has also appeared on the market. It has an identical appearance, so on sight alone it would be extremely difficult to tell one from the other.

This material, which has been called raquirite, is believed to be asphaltite. The limited scientific testing carried out on samples has found differences between its chemical composition and that of elite shungite.

Being far more readily available, considerably cheaper and identical in appearance, there's a real risk of it being sold as elite shungite from Russia.

Elite shungite from Russia is expensive. Furthermore, with current sanctions on importing material to the UK from Russia, the amount in circulation is limited, which has further inflated prices.

Shungite for Water Purification

Shungite water also appears in crystal healing literature. Judy Hall describes soaking the stone to “activate” the water, combining claims about removing pollutants with claims about transferring healing properties.

Water purification, suitability for drinking and purported healing properties are separate questions. We examine the research and safety considerations in Shungite Water: How Safe Is It to Drink?

The Colombian material sold as raquirite must not be used to prepare drinking water. Consuming water that has had an unknown material in it for a length of time carries real risk.