Shungite
The Ancient Shield of Karelia
About the stone
Found in, Karelia, Russia. Until the mid 1980's, only 2 forms of carbon were known. One is diamond, tightly packed carbon molecules that form little pyramids. The other is soft graphite, made up of hexagonal carbon molecule sheets. Then in 1985 a new form was discovered; 60 carbon atoms formed a perfect hexagonal sphere, like a hollow soccer ball. The only single element to ever form a hollow spherical cage. Shaped like a geodesic dome, invented by Buckminster Fuller, the name of this new form of carbon is officially Buckminsterfullerene. Also known as C-60. One of the strongest, most resilient and non reactive elemental forms ever discovered. This was a man made form of carbon, until it was proven to actually exist in nature, in Shungite. In 1719 Peter the Great opened a health spa called Healing Waters Resort, in Karelia Russia. He had been advised that the water from this region cured illnesses, and the rocks would protect his soldiers from disease when put into their water or onto infections. He found this to be overwhelmingly true, and opened the resort to allow soldiers to heal. It was then opened to offer the water, which filtered through shungite, to be available to everyone. Shungite has only been found in the Karelia region, but is extremely important to both science and metaphysics. It is used in water filtration, and as carved objects and jewelry for its protective properties. Shungite is non crystalline & comes in 3 grades based on the percentage of carbon present. Grade 1, or Elite Shungite contains up to 98% carbon and is shiny & brittle, not lending itself to carving or jewelry. Grade 2, or Black Shungite has a dull luster unless polished, and is 50% to 70% carbon. Grade 3, Grey Shungite or Shungite Rock has less than 50% carbon, and little to no C-60. Studies are being conducted to assess the ability of C-60 to absorb and neutralize free radicals. A study was conducted that gave rats C-60 in olive oil form, and those rats lived twice as long as their siblings. Other studies are being done to assess whether shungite does or does not absorb and neutralize EMF radiation. All of these studies are promising and worth paying attention to in the future.
- Associated with the root chakra, zodiac signs of Scorpio, Cancer & Capricorn & vibrates to the number 4.
- Shields & protects from EMF/radiation from electronics (computers, TVs, cell phones, microwaves, etc).
- Grounding, protects from negative energies, calming, relaxing, brings light into the auric energy field, allowing only positive energy within that field.
- Protects from psychic attack, negative entities, curses and bad juju.
- Aids in removing negative thought patterns and habits which can turn into disease, addiction and anxiety.
- Considered a miracle healing stone.
- Kills pathogenic bacteria and purifies water.
Mineral data
- Chemical composition: Shungite is a non-crystalline carbon-rich rock found only in Karelia, Russia, made of carbon (up to about 98 percent in Elite grade) with silicate minerals. It is graded by carbon content, and some grades contain fullerenes.
- Hardness: 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale.
- Color: Deep black, dull when unpolished and shiny in the Elite grade, sometimes with a metallic gleam.
- Specific gravity: 1.85 to 2.00
- Refractive index: Opaque
Metaphysical data
Shungite, an ancient black carbon stone from Karelia, Russia, has been utilized in metaphysical practices for protection, grounding and clearing away negative thought patterns.
Protective and Grounding Energy
- Shungite is considered a powerful shield that protects from EMF and radiation from electronics such as computers, televisions, phones and microwaves.
- It is regarded as grounding, calming and relaxing, bringing light into the auric field and thought to allow only positive energy within that field.
Emotional Healing
- Shungite is believed to aid in removing negative thought patterns and habits that can turn into addiction and anxiety, making space for healthier ones.
- It is also thought to protect from psychic attack, negative entities, curses and 'bad juju,' helping a person feel safer and steadier.
Harmonizing Energy Centers
- Shungite is associated with the root chakra, the center of safety, grounding and survival, which it is thought to strengthen.
- By anchoring the lowest chakra, it is believed to give the rest of the energy field a calm, secure base for restful days and nights.
Zodiac Associations
- Shungite is traditionally associated with Scorpio, Cancer and Capricorn, signs that are sensitive, protective and enduring, and that many say benefit from its shield.
- It vibrates to the number 4, a number of order, stability and strong foundations, matching the stone's role as a steady protector.
Spiritual Growth
- Shungite is considered a miracle healing stone, and its ancient carbon, formed long before most life on Earth, gives it a feeling of deep time.
- It is regarded by many as a gentle anchor for meditation, helping a person feel clean, clear and protected as they turn inward.
Physical Healing
- Crystals are a traditional wellness practice and not a substitute for professional medical advice; claims about radiation protection and disease are beliefs, not proven medical facts.
- Shungite is traditionally linked with purified water and fewer bacteria, and Peter the Great's soldiers used it, but its effects on water are not proven, so it should not replace safe, tested drinking water.
Care and handling
Shungite is soft to moderately hard, about 3.5 to 4, and it can shed black carbon dust that stains hands, cloth and surfaces, especially the lower grades. Wash your hands after handling raw pieces, avoid breathing dust, and do not grind or sand it. It conducts electricity, so keep it away from sockets. Traditional stories use shungite in drinking water, but this is not proven to make water safe, so rely on properly filtered water, and rinse and dry it well if you use it near water.
Individual experiences with Shungite vary, and its qualities are traditional beliefs rather than proven facts. Use it mindfully as a protective, grounding companion, and pair it with sensible habits like rest, clean water and good medical care.