Shungite: Properties, Facts and Photos

Introduction to Shungite

Shungite is a naturally occurring, non-crystalline solid correctly known as a mineraloid. Other non-crystalline solids include jet (similar to coal), moldavite, pearl, opal and obsidian.

Elite shungite, sometimes known as Noble shungite, has a unique appearance, distinctive texture and is surprisingly lightweight. Raw material leaves a soot-like residue from carbon particles.

The colour of shungite can vary from a rich shade of bronze to almost black. It's opaque and highly lustrous.

Geologists believe that it formed through the metamorphism of petroleum-like organic matter more than two billion years ago. One scientific study describes it as a fossilised organic material formed from sediments dating back to the Precambrian.

The late Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible books, claimed shungite may have formed before organic life was established on Earth, which has since been dismissed because proof of its biological origin has been established.

Most carbon-based materials come from decayed organic matter, such as ancient forests.

Another article claimed that Lake Onega in Russia formed from a meteorite impact and suggested this may be linked to the formation of shungite due to its proximity.

The formation of Lake Onega, which is well understood, is believed to have formed through large-scale glacial and tectonic activity during the last Ice Age.

However, the basin of Lake Jänisjärvi (yanis~yarvi), less than two hundred miles away, is known to have formed following a meteorite strike.

Fullerenes In Shungite

The presence of fullerenes in shungite was first described in 1992. Fullerenes are an allotrope of carbon that have been studied for their antioxidant properties.

An allotrope is the ability for a chemical element to exist in two or more forms within the same physical state. "Physical state" means the form (solid, liquid or gas) remains consistent while the structural arrangement varies.

Graphite, and diamond are also allotropes of carbon.

Not all shungite contains fullerenes. A scientific study in 1998 found fullerenes in some material that was used. Out of twelve shungite stones from Karelia, fullerenes were found in three. (ref: Parthasarathy et al.)

Fullerenes were identified in 1985 and quickly attracted attention from different fields of science. Today, they are widely used in industry, particularly in medical research.

They have been shown to have significant antiviral and antioxidant properties, so have attracted considerable medical interest.

A combination of antiviral compounds can suppress replication of the HIV virus. It's therefore believed fullerenes may one day be used to help combat HIV and other viral diseases.

These findings have led to some wild claims about the benefits of shungite when used in alternative therapies for healing.

What is Fullerene?

This section has been moved and is now a standalone article. You can read it here.

Shungite Claims and Misconceptions

The fact that shungite contains carbon has made it highly sought after for its metaphysical healing properties.

Carbon is the main element in all known life forms. It's the second most common element in humans, accounting for 23% of our total body weight.

Many crystal healing-related articles claim that one of shungite's many benefits is its ability to strengthen the immune system. Some even claim it can benefit those who are HIV-positive.

This kind of information is inaccurate and unfounded, and in the wrong hands, has the potential to be dangerous.
Another claim attributed to shungite is its ability to reduce damage from certain forms of electromagnetic radiation. This follows a small-scale scientific study in Russia on rats in 2003.

Results showed that the severity of damage caused by exposure to electromagnetic radiation could be decreased with shielding from shungite. No further scientific analysis has been carried out since. 

In 2017, when shungite was applied to the skin of hairless mice who were then exposed to radiation, there was a marked improvement in several skin conditions. These included elasticity, roughness, pore size, pigmentation, and wrinkles. (Ma. Easter Joy Sajo et al)

Shungite was also found to have effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to other screening control treatments.

Although these healing benefits are believed to come from fullerenes, shungite was used because processing pure fullerene is difficult and expensive.

Carrying a shungite stone is unlikely to produce the same results as those observed in controlled scientific studies on mice and rats.

Water purified with shungite is said to help with many conditions because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientific testing has shown that shungite can remove organic and inorganic substances, harmful bacteria, including E. coli, and heavy metals from contaminated water.

Studies, again carried out in Russia, have shown that water purified with shungite revitalises the body. It eases some skin conditions and helps with gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones, and other ailments.

Worldwide Shungite Deposits

Although minor shungite deposits have been reported in Austria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kazakhstan, the original and largest source is near Lake Onega in northwest Russia.

Shungite from Colombia has recently appeared on the market. However, it's currently unknown whether this material is shungite or a different type of carbon.

In 1879, a newly discovered material was described as an extreme sample of non-crystalline carbon. It was named Shungite after the village of Shun'ga, Republic of Karelia, where it was found. The history of Shun'ga Village can be traced back to at least 1375.  

The Zazhoginskoe field, which is approximately fourteen miles by seven, is one of the world's largest shungite mining fields.

Reports estimate between thirty-five and fifty-eight million tons of shungite are available to mine. Most of the shungite sold around the world comes from here.

Not all shungite contains the same percentage of carbon. The amount that's present can vary from 10% to 98%. Some stones being sold as shungite are shungite-bearing rocks.

Article Pictures

The rough elite shungite at the top of our article and the tumbled stones are from our collection. The shungite stone in the second picture is courtesy of James St.John.

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Moldavite, obsidian, graphite: Courtesy of Stan Celestian. Diamond: Courtesy of Géry Parent.