Shungite is a rock and a mineral at the same time. You may ask, how is this possible? I will answer you, yes, it’s incredible, but it can very well be and that’s why.
Let’s figure this out together
First, we will define what a rock is. Secondly, we will define what a mineral is. Finally, we will define what shungite is. After that, we will use with you all the information received to confirm my statement that shungite is a mineral and a rock at the same time. So, we are getting started, is shungite a mineral or a rock?
What is a rock?
A rock is a large accumulation of one type of mineral or various mineral groups that are united in the earth’s crust due to natural processes. Rocks can be soft, loose, medium soft, as well as hard. The main distinguishing feature of a rock is a large area of occurrence in the earth’s surface. In addition, rocks are a mixture of various minerals. In other words, it has a heterogeneous structure. Here are some examples of rocks, Granite is a solid rock. Coal is a relatively hard rock. Chalk is a loose rock. And of course, we will not forget to add shungite to this list as a rock.
What is a mineral?
A mineral is a natural formation that is formed in the bowels of the earth or on its surface. These are solid bodies, the formation of which is the result of natural phenomena. The main feature of the mineral and its distinguishing feature is that the mineral has a homogeneous structure. Mineral, is a part of rocks.
Thus, a rock is a mixture of minerals. For example, one of the most common minerals on earth is quartz. This mineral is a part of many rocks. In addition, for example, you can also specify these minerals: feldspar, mica, diamond, amber, emerald, shungite, etc
For example, a mixture of quartz minerals, feldspar and mica form a rock – Granite.
Thus, we can draw the following conclusion based on this information. Minerals are solid formations of a homogeneous structure. Rocks are a mixture of minerals.
Absurdity or contradiction
Great, you and I are great! But many of our readers have already noticed the contradiction. Shungite is in the category of rocks, as well as in the category of minerals. The author was so carried away by the story that he got confused in the definitions. This is probably absurd, or an author’s mistake! I will ask you, my friend, not to rush to conclusions. After all, we have not yet given a definition of what shungite is.
What is shungite?
In order to define what shungite is, we use the publicly available source Wikipedia.
Shungite is a Precambrian rock. The main chemical element is carbon. It has several varieties, and can also have different colors. Black, gray, brown.
At first glance, this is a very simple definition. It clearly and unambiguously states that shungite is a rock. But, I will ask you to pay attention to the fact that shungite has several varieties. This is also indicated in the definition.
Indeed, shungite has several varieties and this fact is scientifically proven.
What are the varieties of shungite?
- The first type of shungite is silver shungite type 1. The concept of elite shungite has become fixed in the common speech. The carbon content is about 98-99 percent.
- The second type of shungite is gray, matte shungite. It is also known as Petrovsky shungite. The carbon content is about 60%.
- The third type is black shungite, similar to coal, gets your hands dirty. It also has the name classic shungite. The carbon content is about 30%, the remaining 70% are various minerals, such as Mica, Quartz, Pyrite and others.
Conclusion
We take off our masks, gentlemen, is shungite a rock or mineral?
The first type of shungite, which has a silver color, and a carbon content of about 99% is a mineral. On the contrary, black shungite has only 30% carbon and many other minerals in its composition. In this regard, it is a rock.
Now, we can safely say that shungite is a mineral and a rock at the same time. But, it is necessary to pay attention to what type of Shungite we are talking about.
I sincerely hope this article was informative and interesting for you. I believe that you have received a clear answer to your question shungite is a mineral or a rock.
Some more useful information about shungite
Let me also invite you to familiarize yourself with our scientific articles, in which we described in great detail – what is shungite, as well as what is elite shungite?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about shungite.
In addition, in our online shungite store you can find various products from black shungite rock, as well as from elite shungite stone mineral.