Description and Characteristics
Shungite is a Precambrian black mineraloid composed primarily of carbon (up to 98% in the "Elite" variety). It is believed to have formed about 2 billion years ago from microscopic algae deposits. Its worldwide fame is due to being the only known natural material containing fullerenes, a special type of pure carbon molecule arranged in a hollow sphere (similar to a soccer ball). There are two main types: Black Shungite (matte and common) and Elite or Crystalline Shungite (shiny, lightweight, and rare).
| Chemical Formula | $$C (Carbono casi puro)$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Metallic to dull |
| Streak | Black |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Cleavage | None |
| Hardness | 3.5-5 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Amorphous (no crystalline structure) |
Did you know...?
Peter the Great of Russia founded the first Russian spa in Karelia based on the purifying properties of water passing through shungite deposits. The scientists who discovered fullerenes (present in shungite) received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. It is an excellent conductor of electricity; an easy way to verify if your shungite is authentic is to use a multimeter or touch a mobile screen with it: if the phone reacts, it is genuine.
New-Age Properties
Shungite is known as the "black hole" of negative energies. Its most valued property is its ability to absorb and neutralize electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by electronic devices like cell phones or Wi-Fi. It is a deep grounding stone that cleanses the aura and balances the lower chakras. Spiritually, it is used for emotional purification and to strengthen the immune system. Unlike other crystals, it does not need frequent "cleansing" because it constantly transmutes negative energy due to its molecular structure.
Uses of Shungite
Shungite is used to manufacture radiation protectors, decorative pyramids, pendants, and for water purification (especially in Russia).