Nestled deep within the Earth’s crust in the Karelia region of Russia, a remarkable mineral with astonishing antioxidants and many other properties captured the world’s attention – Shungite.
Beyond its striking appearance, Karelian stone possesses a plethora of unique properties that have earned it a reputation as a natural powerful tool for promoting well-being and protection.
In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of Shungite properties, shedding light on the science and properties surrounding this enigmatic Russian stone.
Russian rare stone – Location
Shungite properties are one of the most unusual and rare natural phenomena. One of the main properties of this rare mineral is its antioxidant capacity. Russian stone is a rare resource, the place of production of which exists only in one region of the world. This ecologically clean region rich in forests and a variety of rocks is called the Republic of Karelia. It is located in the North of Russia near the border of Finland.

At the very beginning of the 20th century, once this rock was discovered, unique abilities were defined only as a source of thermal energy. However, research in this area has not yielded the expected results.
This rock looks like coal, but its unique mineral composition and unusual shungite properties do not allow it to burn and release the necessary thermal energy like coal. In this study the unique properties of the Russian black stone is not over. Only 100 years later Russian c60 mineral finds a new life as an amazing natural spring. Here is a scientifically proven list that has been identified over the years.

What properties does shungite have?
Shungite properties as an Antioxidant
The black stone from Russia is one of the strongest antioxidants created by nature. Raises the immunity of the human body on a new level, gives him abilities resisting many diseases.
What are Antioxidants?
In the world of health and wellness, the term “antioxidants” has become a buzzword. But what exactly are antioxidants, and why are they so important?
Antioxidants are compounds found in various foods and supplements that play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and various diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals, preventing them from causing harm. They act as the body’s natural defense system, helping to combat the effects of pollution, poor diet, and other factors that can lead to oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are particles of human defense systems that fight free radicals. In other words, antioxidants are substances that block or inhibit cellular oxidation. And, in turn, oxidation processes occur due to the destructive action of free radicals.
What are free radicals?
These are molecular particles that, for whatever reason, have lost one electron. These particles are actively trying to bring back this electron. They break the bonds in full-fledged molecules and attach themselves to the missing electron.
In turn, these cells also want to recover the stolen electron. Therefore, they acquire the properties of free radicals and destroy the next atoms. Thus, in the human body begins a chain reaction called oxidative stress.
It is worth noting that free radicals are a natural part of human biochemical processes. But, if the balance is broken, the radicals begin to damage healthy cells. The more free radicals in the human body, the faster this process of oxidation.
As a result, the human body is more prone to various diseases and aging. Shungite properties as an antioxidant allow to normalize these harmful processes.
How do free radicals enter the human body?
First, as a result of natural biochemical reactions in the human body.
Secondly, as a result of negative environmental factors. Modern human living conditions are overflowing with negative factors.
Harmful food, polluted air, medicines, electromagnetic waves, stress, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, etc. This way it all contributes to the penetration of free radicals in the human body.

How do Antioxidants help?
Antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals, preventing them from causing harm. They act as the body’s natural defense system, helping to combat the effects of pollution, poor diet, and other factors that can lead to oxidative stress.
These substances break off the chain reaction of oxidation. They sacrifice themselves by giving the missing electron to the radical. But they do not continue to take this electron from full-fledged molecules.
Thus, the oxidation reaction stops. Antioxidants enter the human body with food in the form of vitamins and minerals. For example, vitamins C and E, as well as minerals Zinc, Selenium, Iron, etc. Physical activity and the desire for a healthy lifestyle positively affect the balance of biochemical reactions of the human body.
What is the most effective Antioxidant?
It is assumed that one of the strongest antioxidants are fullerenes. For Example, Fullerene C60. Karelian stone is the only mineral that is a natural carrier of C60 fullerenes.
Such fullerenes have hydrated form and soluble in water. In the course of research it was found that water infused with the black rock has a beneficial effect on the human body and animals. Probably, these shungite properties are due to the natural antioxidant in the form of fullerene.
Many researchers are of the opinion that the water in which the Russian stone was lying becomes a molecular colloidal solution with multifaceted biological effects [1,2].
For this reason, fullerenes and other carbon nanoparticles are released from the black rock under the action of water. Because it has a large number of different macropores and mesopores. And also this is due to the special shungite properties in relation to water.
Currently, researchers associate this with the amphiphilicity and dipole properties of shungite. They, in turn, are due to the main structural element of graphene. Therefore, nanoparticles of carbon are successfully stabilized in water. In doing so, they create stable dispersions of hydrated fullerenes without oxidation.
Shhungite properties in water: Experience, keeping frogs in dirty water with and without black stones (chips)

One of the most well-known Shungite properties is its ability to purify water.
When placed in water, black Russian stone is believed to:
- Absorb Impurities: Russian stones type 3 acts like a sponge, absorbing contaminants, heavy metals, and harmful substances from water, effectively “cleansing” it.
- Mineralize Water: elite silver stones type 1 can also enrich water with fullerenes c60 and many minerals.
In this regard, studies of purification water were carried out. For this purpose, the biological effect of water on amphibians (grass frog Rana Temporaria) was studied at Petrozavodsk State University (Karelia, Russia) [1].
After all, in their lives, the skin plays an important role in the flow of water into the body and in gas exchange. So, a researcher, candidate of biological sciences Belousova G.P. proved the positive effect of Karelian rock breed on frog survival in laboratory conditions.
Thus, the researchers kept the first group of frogs in laboratory conditions in a vivarium. At the same time, they observed all the rules of hygiene. At the same time, the researchers kept the second group of frogs in the laboratory in a vivarium. For this group, the hygiene rules for keeping these frogs were not followed.
Well, the researchers also kept the third group of frogs under laboratory conditions in a vivarium without proper care. However, to the third group, they added they 0.5-1 cm black chips to the water. They did it in such proportions: at the rate of 125 grams per 0.5 liters of water).
The results of the experiment

As a result, the second group of frogs, which were kept without observing the rules of hygiene, began to die after 7 days. And after 14 days, the group of frogs died 100%. The third group, which lived without observing hygienic rules in water with raw Russian black stone, showed 100% survival rate for 60 days. Finally, when the experiment was completed, the scientists measured the biological parameters of the third group of frogs. And they significantly exceeded the performance of frogs from the first control group (which also survived, but in the conditions of leaving). In particular, this concerns neurohumoral regulatory mechanisms and thermokinetics of metabolic processes in amphibians.
One hundred percent survival of frogs in black stones water proves that the Russian black rock has high antioxidant, antibacterial and sorption properties.
Study of the antioxidant properties of shungite in mice
Also, researchers from Yonsei University Research Fund of 2016 confirmed the active antioxidant properties of shungite in a scientific work “Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Karelian stone against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice”.
They confirmed the hypothesis that Russian black stone, a natural fullerene, has antioxidant properties, since it reduces the intracellular production of ROS (Reactive oxygen species: oxygen ions, free radicals and peroxides). In addition, researchers have shown that Russian rock increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD and MPO) in vivo.
Shungite properties As a Sorbent

Russian stone, due to its porous structure, effectively purifies water from organic and inorganic pollutants. The fact is that such shungite properties as sorption, antioxidant and catalytic properties of the stone are closely related to each other.
Therefore, they allow the use of the black stone from Karelia as an efficient filter material with an efficiency of up to 95% for wastewater treatment from a wide range of pollutants.
For example, the phenol adsorption activity of the stones type 3 is 14 mg / g; for thermolysis resins – 20 mg / g; and for oil products more than – 40 mg / g. The sorption efficiency of the stones is clearly shown in the summary table [3].
Type of water Pollution | Degree of purification, % |
---|---|
Iron | 95 |
Zinc | 80 |
Lead | 85 |
Copper | 85 |
Cesium | 90 |
Strontium | 97 |
Radionuclides | 90 |
Fluorine | 80 |
Ammonia | 90 |
Organochlorine compounds | 85 |
Phenols | 90 |
Dioxins | 97 |
Helminth eggs | 90 |
Smell | 85 |
Turbidity | 95 |
Also, scientists have proved that black Russian rock is able to remove heavy metals (copper, cadmium, mercury, lead) from water, as well as boron, phenol and benzene.
For example, they demonstrated this in model experiments on water, in which the content of harmful substances exceeded the MPC by 10-50 times.
At the same time, they included black stones in filtering installations. In turn, the black stone was able to reduce the content of harmful substances in the water to the established safe minimum in accordance with regulatory documents. Above all, no toxic elements enter the water from the black stones sorbents.
Shungite bactericidal properties
Bactericidal properties refer to a substance’s ability to kill or eliminate bacteria. In the case of Shungite these properties have been a subject of fascination and study due to its high carbon content and unique molecular structure.
Detoxification: it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its detoxifying properties. It is believed to help eliminate toxins from the body, which can indirectly support the immune system in its fight against bacterial infections.
The Karelian stone has sorption activity against pathogenic microflora, and also has pronounced bactericidal properties. In addition, Russian stone is bactericidal against pathogenic saprophytes and protozoa.
Firstly, there is evidence that if water containing E. coli is passed through the stone, then its almost complete removal is observed (if the index varies from 2300 cells / l to 3 cells / l). Secondly, out of 1785 cells / l of protozoa (ciliates, rotifers, crustaceans) in the initial water after treatment with black type 3 stones, only a few specimens were observed (5 cells / l) [4].
Shungite purifies water from radinuleids
The terrible accident at the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant in Japan left hundreds of millions of liters of radioactive water around the defenses built around the plant. He could not be thrown into the ocean without purification. And the issue of processing such water was very difficult.
However, scientists from Kazan Federal University and Rice University in the USA (Rice University) have proposed their own way to solve the problem.
They modified the carbon in such a way that, according to the developers, it could separate water from radionuclides. It was oxidatively modified carbon. And also scientists used healing mineral from Karelia.
In laboratory tests, the researchers report that oxidatively modified carbon has been shown to be highly effective at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, uranium, thorium and radium, from contaminated water.
At the same time, scientists were struck by the fact that simple particles of natural Karelian stone showed almost the same high performance results in the absorption of radioactive elements.
How does water purification work?
As a result of studying the sorption properties of shungite, scientists came to the following conclusion. The fact is that the carbon components of Karelian stone are capable of attacking active oxygen atoms, known to us as free radicals. The black stone nanoparticles, coupled with its special structure, very actively (a catalyst property) oxidize them in water and air [5].
Let’s see how exactly this happens? The fact is that at the moment when the particles of carbon absorb free radicals, atomic oxygen is formed. In turn, it begins to oxidize all those organic pollutants that have adhered to the stone to CO2 and H2O. Thus, the Karelian black stone surface is cleaned and it is ready for adsorption again.
And how does Russian mineral interact with inorganic substances, for example, with Fe2 + and Fe3, Mg2 +, Ca2 +, which are dissolved in water? Russian stone simply converts metal cations from a soluble form to an insoluble carbonate. In turn, this occurs due to the above-described process of oxidation of organic substances with atomic oxygen in the course of the reaction of interaction of carbon monoxide and water.
Shungite properties as a Catalyst

Russian black stone type 3 has the ability to adsorb organic matter, like a sponge, and self-repair. If we compare it with activated carbon, then stones can show delayed results only in the first day of water purification. But further, the Russian mineral is activated and begins to purify impurities from water at a higher rate and constancy, in comparison with activated carbon.
These data have been scientifically proven by experiments carried out on the stones at the Russian Technological University named after D.I. Mendeleev (RCTU), as well as in the All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Resources named after N. M. Fedorovsky (FGBU VIMS) [9]. Also, it has ability to removes free radicals from water, formed in it after cleaning with chlorine, 30 times faster than activated carbon. [6]
Thus, different researchers have come to a conclusion. Karelian mineral can be used in the preparation of drinking water in flow systems of any capacity. Also, for industrial and domestic purposes and in wells in order to improve the quality characteristics of water and giving the water useful properties.
At the same time, it is especially effective and technologically justified to use mixtures based on shungite rocks with activated carbon or zeolite in filter systems, with possible subsequent regeneration of sorbents [7,8]. Meanwhile, we write in this article how to use black stones type 3 and silver stones type 1 for water.
Shungite properties as a Source

The Russian rocks type 1, type 2 and type 3 contains various amounts of trace elements and substances with high biological activity, which simpleroot potential in humans and animals. The only natural source of Fullerenes. Moreover, Karelian mineral is able to eliminate the turbidity and color of water, and it also gives it good organoleptic qualities. At the same time, the stones simultaneously saturates the water with microelements and macroelements.
Shungite propertise as a Defender

It is endowed with a unique ability to neutralize various geopathic electromagnetic waves, including high frequency. Above all, these Shungite properties were the basis for the creation of materials based on it, with radio-screening and radio-absorbing properties.
At present, the high radio shielding ability of Karelian stone has been scientifically proven.
Since example the researchers in various tests tested the Russian rock with a thickness of hundreds and even tens of microns (raw stones or powder). As a result, it was proved that Russian c60 mineral almost completely absorbs the EMF radiation of the superhigh frequency range from 8 to 70 GHz down to -40 decibels.
In addition, Russian black stone protects from the low-frequency range of the EMF, as well as from the range of the X-ray spectrum. The fact is that complex mechanisms of absorption and reflection of radiation work in shungite stone. In turn, which depend on the complex structure of the black stone and fullerenes. Therefore, Russian black stone is used on an industrial scale to create special radio-shielding materials. Moreover, you can find out more in our article about the properties of emf protection.
Healing and Metaphysical Properties
Beyond its physical properties, black Karelian stone is also celebrated for its metaphysical attributes:
- Grounding: is believed to ground and stabilize energy, helping individuals feel more centered and connected to the Earth.
- Protection: It is often used as a protective talisman, shielding individuals from negative energies and promoting emotional balance.
- Healing: Some people use the rocks for its potential healing properties, both physically and spiritually. It is thought to aid in physical healing and promote spiritual growth.
Resume of shungite properties
Shungite properties are a unusual blend of science and helpful abilities offering a multitude of potential benefits for those who incorporate it into their lives. Whether used for its water-purifying abilities, EMF protection, or metaphysical qualities, Russian rock continues to intrigue and inspire individuals seeking to harness the extraordinary properties of this Russian rare stone. As science and holistic wellness intersect, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Earth’s natural treasures.
So, here we are, we got acquainted with a wide range of properties of the amazing Russian black stone. These include antioxidant, adsorption, catalytic and EMF protective qualities. At the same time, long before scientific research, people knew that black stone is a salubrious source. Therefore, it was used for treatment by locals and royalty.
Well, in our time, science has revealed a little the secret of the Russian stone. That is why we now know about fullerenes in the rock and about its very special connection with water. However, carbon still remains a target for scientific study. After all, we have yet to reveal the rest of his mysteries.

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