Shungite is a unique and mysterious stone. Its origins are unknown and its benefits may be hard to believe for some. Before we get into the details of the stone’s physical properties and its proven benefits, I would like to tell you a little about Shungite’s origins and history.
The Origins of Shungite
Shungite has its origins in the Republic of Karelia, in the Russian Federation. It was discovered in a small village called Shunga, hence its name. Although traces of Shungite have been found in a few other locations throughout Russia, the Zazhoginsky deposit is the only place where it can be found in vast reserves.
Shungite has mysterious origins, unlike any other carbon-based material. Materials made out of carbon typically come from decayed organic substances like old forests. But Shungite is thought to be at least 2 billion years old which is before organic life existed on Earth.
There are two main hypotheses to how Shungite came to exist. The most popular one is that it came to be by the sedimenting of rich organic materials of primitive life forms into mud and silt. The other, more intriguing, yet less popular hypothesis is that it got formed from a meteor crashing into the earth. Interestingly, there is evidence that a meteor actually did crash in close vicinity to the deposit of Shungite, just a little earlier than the stone was formed.
Types of Shungite Stones
Shungite comes in three different types of stones, depending on the quantity of carbon that the stones possess:
Type I Shungite – Elite Silver Shungite
This type of Shungite is the purest type that exists, with a concentration of carbon of 98%. Elite Shungite makes up only 1% of the total existing Shungite.
Type II Shungite – Black Shungite
This type of Shungite contains 50-70% carbon and it can be shaped and polished easily to make various items. It is the type that is largely available to be bought.
Type III Shungite - Gray Shungite
This Shungite is made out of 30-50% carbon and is only used for industrial applications. You will not find this type of Shungite on the market.
Fullerene, the Compound Behind Shungite’s Benefits
Shungite has a unique composition; it contains Fullerene, which is why it has such powerful properties. Fullerene is a fairly recently discovered carbon complex that links together 60 carbon atoms. This compound is so unique; it is hollow on the inside leaving space for all kinds of toxin and radio wave absorption. Fullerenes have very powerful properties on electromagnetic fields, absorption of toxins, and human health.
Backed by Science Benefits of Shungite
1. Shungite has a purifying effect on water
A recent 2018 study states that Shungite can remove contaminants and organic substances such as pesticides from water, thus purifying it. Another 2017 study has also shown that the carbon in Shungite can remove radioactive compounds from water.
Its unique porous structure, allows the stone to adsorb 95% of contaminants that come into contact with its surface. Contaminants that Shungite removes through adsorption/absorption include:
organochlorine compounds
benzene
chlorine
heavy metals
phenols
dioxins
radionuclides
oil
phenol
pesticides
ammonia
2. It has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties
Fullerenes, which are compounds present in Shungite, are a type of carbon nanostructures ( CNS). According to this 2017 review of studies, CNS can destroy harmful pathogens by damaging the cell walls of bacteria and viruses, and kills microbes by making them lose electrons and die. This means that Shungite has a strong anti-bacterial effect. Shungite also has antioxidant properties, according to this 2018 animal study. The study showed that a Shungite solution helped a mice’s damaged skin to produce more antioxidant enzymes. The same study also showed that Shungite has anti-inflammatory properties
3. It can block harmful EMF radiation
This older 2003 animal study has shown that Shungite is an EMF protector stone. Shungite has the properties of absorption and dispersion of EMF waves. Its unusual structure is what gives the stone these protective properties. The structure is a silicon dioxide Quartz matrix, inside which carbon flakes are scattered. The carbon is a special carbon, one of the highest allotropic forms containing fullerenes and other nano-particles. Plus, the quartz matrix is soaked with micro-sized metals. All this allows Shungite to block EMF radiation.
4. Shungite water can improve your health
Traditionally, water infused with Shungite was thought to have a healing effect on several health problems, such as:
allergies
asthma
arthritis
liver problems
gallbladder issues
autoimmune disease
pancreatic dysfunction
chronic fatigue
sore throats
gastric issues
kidney problems
Scientifically, due to Shungite’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, it’s believed that the stone can help with these ailments.
How to Use Shungite
You can benefit from Shungite’s powerful properties in several ways, such as:
Infusing your water. To purify your water using Shungite you can either use a Shungite filter or place the stones in the water for 2 to 3 days.
Wearing it as jewelry.
Carrying it in your bag.
Placing it near EMF sources.
Displaying shungite in your home. To help you de-stress and sleep better, it’s recommended to put the stone near your bed.
Meditating with the stone.
Shungite has been used since ancient times because of its many beneficial properties. As science advances and more studies are being conducted, more and more of the stone’s claimed benefits get proven which means that our ancestors were on the right path with this stone. It is my hope that this article shines a light on this mysterious stone and helps you reap its benefits.
About the author: Xenia Mateiu is the owner of The Village Rock Shop, a local gift shop in Carlsbad, California, selling crystals, gemstones, unique handmade items, and locally sourced products.
Information provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.