What Is Shungite? A Complete Guide to This Carbon-Rich Stone

What Is Shungite? A Complete Guide to This Carbon-Rich Stone

Shungite is a rare, carbon-rich stone found almost exclusively in the Karelia region of Russia. The stone formed over two billion years ago and has been used in Russia since the time of Czar Peter The Great.

The stone is known for its natural beauty, having a deep black appearance, as well as for its unique carbon composition.

Today, this ancient stone is used in modern spaces by those who are looking to balance high-tech environments with natural carbon.

Where Does Shungite Come From?

Shungite is sourced almost exclusively from the Karelia region of Russia, near Lake Onega in the north of the country, along the border with Finland. The premier deposit is known as the Zazhoginsky deposit, where the most studied and recognized shungite is mined.

Stones sold as “shungite” that do not come from this region differ in composition and are not considered authentic shungite, even if they appear similar.

Much like diamonds, there are also imitation materials sold as shungite. 

Explore authentic Growing Healing shungite sourced from Karelia, Russia.

What Is Shungite Made Of?

Shungite is made up primarily of the element carbon. It also contains naturally occurring inclusions of pyrite and quartz. Because Shungite doesn't have a crystalline structure like most minerals, it is called a mineraloid.

Diamond and graphite are two of the most well-known naturally occurring forms of carbon on Earth. Shungite is another form of carbon, often classified as a Nanocarbon due to the stone containing fullerenes. 

The amount of carbon in Shungite depends on the Type of Shungite as well as the deposit which the Shungite was mined from. 

To explore this in more detail, see our guide on what shungite is made of and its carbon content.

Types of Shungite

Shungite is categorized by its carbon content. The amount of carbon in the stone changes how it looks and how it can be used. 

For our purposes there are three main types of Shungite. (There is a fourth type of Shungite that is very low in carbon and is used only for industrial purposes, such as gravel.)

Elite (Noble) Shungite
Elite Noble Shungite is often called just Elite Shungite. It contains the highest amount of carbon of all Shungite, it is between 98% and 99% carbon. This type of Shungite has a natural sheen to it.

Type II (Petrovsky) Shungite
Petrovsky Shungite contains between 50% and 70% carbon. It is very rare and has become almost impossible to source in the past several years. It is considered to be a transitional Shungite, bridging Elite Noble to Regular Shungite.

Type III (Black or Regular Shungite)
This is the type of Shungite that is able to be carved into shapes. It contains between 30–50% carbon, depending on the deposit it was mined from. 

How Shungite Is Used Today

Shungite has a long history of traditional use in its native Russia, sometimes referred to historically as “The Stone of Life”

Today, Shungite is known globally and incorporated into modern spaces worldwide as part of an approach to mindful technology use.

The stone is placed in homes and offices, often positioned near everyday technologies such as routers, modems, computers, smart meters, TVs, microwave ovens, EV chargers, breaker boxes and more.

Shungite is often placed inside homes that have cell towers, 5G antennas and power lines nearby. The stone also is used inside of cars; gas cars, electric vehicles and hybrids and made into beautiful jewelry pieces worn by those seeking an EMF-conscious lifestyle.

Learn more about creating thoughtful tech spaces in modern environments using Shungite.

Shungite and Electromagnetic Fields

Shungite has not been approved for use by the FDA as a type of EMF Protection Device. Therefore, we make no claims regarding Shungite and electromagnetic fields, but instead refer you to explore these published studies on the mineral:

Shungite is a carbon-rich stone that naturally conducts electricity. This has led researchers to study its properties and how materials like it interact with electromagnetic energy in controlled environments.

Explore research on shungite and electromagnetic environments.

How to Identify Authentic Shungite

While there are many black stones that contain carbon found in South America, China and India, none of these are authentic Shungite. Real Shungite is only found in Russia.

When identifying authentic Shungite, you want to look first and foremost at the stone's origin. Karelia, Russia is where the only true deposits of Shungite are found.

Real Shungite has natural surface variations, will show veins of pyrite and quartz, and often leaves a light, black residue when handled, due to the stone's carbon content.

Explore where to buy authentic Shungite and how to identify real Shungite.

Choosing Shungite Products

Today, Shungite is available in many forms.

Larger stones of Shungite are carved into different shapes. Shungite Pyramids, Shungite Spheres, Shungite Cubes and Shungite Tiles.

Shungite is made into jewelry pieces and beads, along with different types of pocket stones and what are traditionally called harmonizers.

Thin plates of Shungite are carved and made into Tabs by placing adhesive on them, making it easy to affix these Tabs to various appliances and technologies. 

Explore our authentic shungite products and uses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shungite

Does Shungite come from one location?

Authentic shungite is sourced from the Karelia region of Russia, where the most studied deposits are found.

Are there different grades of shungite?

Shungite is commonly categorized by carbon content, with higher-carbon forms such as Elite Noble shungite and lower-carbon types used in carved products.

How is shungite used?

Shungite is placed in homes, workspaces, and near everyday technologies as part of a mindful approach to modern environments.

Explore more answers in our complete Shungite FAQ.

 

Shungite products are offered as natural stone items for lifestyle and decorative use. They are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition.