What is Shungite?

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For a long time, we are fond of studying various rocks of Karelia. One of the most amazing minerals for us became is shungite stone. Today, we will try to answer the question what is shungite? In this article, we have tried to describe this issue in more detail, so that you have a more complete concept of this mineral. Also in this article we touched upon such terms as Carbon and Fullerenes. We think these two terms are the main ones for the disclosure of this issue. We apologize in advance, grammatical and syntactic errors are possible in our article. The fact is that we speak Russian and do not speak English fully and did the translation of our article on their own.

The genuine Shungite stone: location and extraction of the mineral.

Shungite is a mineral those main chemical element is carbon. Most noteworthy, only this form of carbon contains natural Fullerenes. This mineral has truly amazing and unusual properties that are no longer inherent in any mineral on earth. According to scientific research, shungite was formed more than two billion years ago. This extremely rare rock is found only in one place on the planet earth. This is the North-Western region of Russia – “Republic of Karelia“.

It is noteworthy that in the Karelian region there are outcrops of different shungite rocks on the Earth’s surface. At the same time, the most famous deposit of classic black variety is the Zazhoginskoe deposit (or it is called Zazhoginskoye, Zazhogino). It is in this place that shungite stone with the most constant characteristics is mined. And also it is from it that we produce various products.

The carbon.

Carbon is a chemical element discovered by French scientist Antoine Lauren. Antoine is the founder of the modern science of Chemistry. At the time of the discovery of carbon, this chemical element was called “clean coal”. In 1780, in the book “Method of chemical nomenclature” the name appears is Carbon. After that, the concept of “Clean coal” is changed to Carbon. Carbon is a chemical element that exists in many allotropic modifications. In modern science, there is a concept of “Allotropic modifications of carbon” is a substance similar in composition but different in chemical structure. 

Modification of carbon.

There are many in allotrope modifications of carbon. For example, Diamond, Graphite, Carbyne and Fullerene. Carbon is an amazing element that is able to form substances that are radically different from each other and have completely opposite properties. This element has the greatest number of Allotropes i.e. modifications. In addition, this element was the building material for our planet, today carbon compounds are the basis of all living organisms on Earth. This is the real material of the future, however that has yet to be explored.

The importance of carbon for humanity.

The universe is keeping secrets which is difficult to find an explanation. The whole evolution of matter is in the General system of molecular interatomic bonds-energy flows. Minerals have accumulated information about the evolution of the universe, the evolution of the earth, which they are able to transfer to other types of matter, atomic structures in terms of direct active contact. In matters contains large amounts of carbon. A human is composed of 25% carbon, grass is 5%. New spheres of life are opening up for humanity. For example, the discovery of fullerenes and nanotechnology is far superior to human invention such as the wheel. It is not without reason that more and more attention is paid to this in the developed countries of our world.

Discovery of fullerenes.

Fullerene is an allotropic modification of carbon. In 1985, American scientists Robert Smoli a and a British scientists Robert Curl and British scientist Harold Kroto discovered the fullerene molecule. Therefore, these scientists received the Nobel Prize for this discovery in the 1996. In fullerenes carbon is bound in linear chains, these chains make up a lattice, such a lattice is called-Fullerene. Fullerene molecules can take many forms. For example, a fullerene C60 it looks like.

What is Fullerene c60?

Fullerene C60 is the most famous, it consists of 60 carbon atoms. In addition, other forms of fullerene can form whole structures-Nanotubes. There are many reasons that make Shungite unique. Above all, it’s Fullerene C 60, which was found in its composition. Molecules of C60 and C70 fullerene were isolated from the rare mineral shungite. Most importantly, this is the only natural material where fullerenes have been discovered. The formation of shungite lasts from 600 million to 2 billion years. Fullerenes are also synthesized on special equipment. This is an very expensive product. It is much more expensive than gold! Fullerenes are between living and non-living nature. They can not be attributed to lifeless, but they are not a living organism.

One of the many properties of the unique forms and structures of fullerenes is the ability to construct atomic nanolayers. A nanometer is 1 billionth part of a meter (1 / 1.000.000.000 meters). At the level of these values there are processes that are poorly explained in the language of traditional Physics and Chemistry. Perhaps these ones processes confer this amazing stone unusual helpful properties and unique abilities.

There are two main famous types of shungite in Karelia region.

The type is a Classic Shungite of black color.

Black variety of shungite – this is the first most widespread type of shungite in Karelia. It can also be called shungite type-3 according to the classification of Professor P.A. Borisov. It has a black color with streaks of golden and whitish color, because these are the two main minerals Pyrite and Quartz (or Quartzite), which are part of its composition and are one of the hallmarks of genuine Shungite stone. Above all, the main mineral is a unique carbon (from 20% to 35%). Fullerenes c60 were found in the composition of this carbon.

This black mineral is mined mainly at the Zazhoginskoe field. This is an industrially developed deposit of shungite. And from this Zazhoginsky shungite we make our genuine products. And we provide a secure way to buy our products online.

Black shungite pendants with a characteristic pattern of quartz and pyrite.

For example, we make many different pendants of a unique geometric shape from the third type variety. We also do engraving on our round pendants. Of course, the natural distinctive characteristics of the black shungite stone with marks of quartz and pyrite are also proof of the authenticity of our pendants. We polish our pendants to make them look shiny. Our karelian stone pendants are completely safe for the skin, unlike fake black pendants.

That is what makes Karelian rare black stone different from another rocks which are also similar to it and are mined in many countries of our world. Another rocks are called “Shungites-containing” it do not contain fullerenes, its there is no unique carbon C60. Such rocks are very cheap for sale and do not have the unique properties. Very often such rocks to pass off as genuine Shungite helpful. After discovered the unique helpful properties of this ancient black mineral, its forgeries became too much.

Features of Shungite products

Please, pay your attention to two minerals in shungite. These are Pyrite and Quartz. Shungite pendants in the form of very difficult to manufacture. This is one of our most technically challenging products.

In addition, Pyrite and Quartz cannot be perfectly processed when they occur in natural stone. Shungite is literally permeated with these minerals. We choose the best samples of raw stone for the manufacture of our pendants. But still veins of Pyrite and Quartz are also found.

Therefore, on some of your pendants, as well as on our other products, you can see some surface irregularities or small cracks that pass exactly in those places where there is Pyrite or quartz. I also understand that it may not look quite presentable and premium. But these are the features of handmade with natural shungite stone.

Premium quality but unnatural stone

We know that other sellers use stamped factory molds and a mixture of shungite dust, resin and other impurities. Their products look perfect and have fantastic proportionally smooth sides. But is this a real natural shungite? We have been manufacturing our products for more than 4 years and our mission is to make products from natrual shungite only.But we still strive and improve the technique and skill of stone cutting.

We constantly strive for the result so that our products are beautiful and at the same time made by hand from natural stone.

Is shungite activated charcoal

No, shungite is not the same as activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is made from various materials, including wood, coconut shells, and bamboo, which are heated at high temperatures and treated with oxygen to create a highly porous material with a large surface area. Activated charcoal is commonly used for purification, filtration, and adsorption purposes.

On the other hand, shungite is a rare, black, mineral composed mostly of carbon. Indeed, in its raw form, the shungite looks and looks very similar to activated charcoal. Unlike activated charcoal, shungite is not man-made, opposite it’s a naturally occurring mineral.

What metals is in shungite?

Shungite is a mineral with a varying composition that is rich in carbon. It has been found to contain a variety of elements, including iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, and silicon. While shungite is not primarily composed of any specific metal, it does contain trace amounts of metals, including copper, zinc, nickel, and silver. These metals are thought to contribute to the mineral’s purported helpful properties and electromagnetic shielding capabilities.

We have prepared a more detailed result of the chemical composition of shungite stone. Please read this table below.

The average Chemical composition of real shungite stones.

The table below shows what the average content of the main rock-forming components in type 3 shungite stones. The maximum variations in the content of mineral constituents relate to CaO, Na2O, MgO, FeO. However, the chemical and mineral composition varies depending on the physical structure of shungites. That is, it changes due to the massiveness of shungites, fractures, the degree of brecciation, and so on.

This chemical analysis is for horizons of shungite-bearing rocks in the central part of the Zaonezhskaya suite. Type of geological rock section: sedimentary-volcanogenic. Members are powerful zones of accumulation of organic matter of shungite. This analysis was done by scientists in Institute of Geology of the Karelian Academy of Sciences.

Also, the thickness of the first pack bed is 160-210 meters (3 cycles of accumulation of organic matter)
The depth of occurrence of the second pack is 210-240 meters (6 cycles of accumulation of organic matter).

Wherein, proportions of these minerals can vary depending on the depth and location of the production layers.

Other classifications of shungites.

On the territory of Karelia there is a large number of different shungite rocks. For their classification, a simple scheme of carbon content in the rock is used (P. A. Borisov). But there are other ways of classifying these ancient Precambrian rocks from other researchers, which more fully reflect the idea of ​​the breed. They consider rocks in terms of chemical composition, history and conditions of formation.
In addition, the very scientific definition of shungite has changed over time and among different researchers. Moreover, scientists may call it a rock or a mineraloid depending on its carbon content, but not a gem.

Petrovsky shungite (or shungite type 2).

Shungite type 2 or Petrovsky shungite occurs at the Shunga deposit and contains 35-75% of the unique carbon of shungite. This type of mineral is in the middle between the first and third shungite in terms of the amount of reserves. So its amount of its reserves is much less than a shungite type 3, but more than that of elite shungite (type 1).

Type 2 rock has a gray matte, low-gloss graphite color, and also has a parallelepiped jointing. The photo shows that shungite is, as it were, divided into rectangles or cubes. It was these external characteristics that reminded geologists of anthracite. Therefore, at first they called this shungite “Onega anthracite” (after the name of Lake Onega).

Due to the external resemblance to anthracite coal, the study of shungite in the Russian Empire began intensively since 1877. However, it turned out that shungite is not coal and it is economically inexpedient to heat the furnaces with it.

An important fact, in the production of stone products in Karelia, we do not process Petrovsky shungite. We and any other shungite production facilities cannot process it on an industrial scale and make products from it. That is, we cannot do this because of the physicochemical properties of type 2 shungite. In addition, we know that the reserves of shungite stones of the 2nd type are very small. Therefore, for now we offer nuggets of Petrovsky shungite only for collections.

Type is Elite shungite or Noble shungite stone.

And finally, it is a type of shungite thanks to which this Karelian mineral became known all over the world. And scientists call this type of shungite type 1. Also on the Internet, sellers call it elite shungite or noble shungite.

First of all, I want to note that it is almost pure unique carbon (98-99%). Structure of this carbon is very similar to the carbon structure of the meteorite – Alland. Until now, there are no exact scientific explanations about the origin of elite shungite. Also, this carbon form of this rare mineral has nothing to do with other forms of carbon on earth. Some scientists have suggested that this amazing mineral could get to earth from Space. However, other scientists believe that elite shungite is a mineral of terrestrial origin. That is, elite shungite or shungite of the first type was formed over millions and billions of years.

Fullerenes in shungite.

Firstly, scientists discovered fullerenes on Earth in a stable form only in the Karelian mineral shungite in 1992. Secondly, С60 fullerenes of this type have a hydrated form; therefore, they are soluble in water. As a result, shungite allows saturating water with fullerenes, as well as mineralizing such water and structuring it.

What does elite shungite look like?

Elite shungite mineral has a dark gray color, its surface is smooth to the touch and reflects light. Meanwhile, you can also see a small inclusion of a satellite mineral on its surface. Above all, other minerals which are a part of the present Elite type can give on its surface traces of a small rust. For example, such a mineral is Pyrite. It can leave traces of rust when oxidized on oxygen. You should not be afraid of this phenomenon. Because, the rust is a natural feature of real elite shungite. However, you can clean the rare mineral with a stiff brush and water. Please see what real elite stones look like in our shungite elite stones section.

Field of elite shungite.

In fact, it is an extremely rare mineral. Indeed, back in the days of the USSR, a mining enterprise practically exhausted the resource of the first type of shungite. The name of the mineral is consonant with the village of Shun’ga, in which it was first found. Currently, each piece extracted by hand. In the near future, this unique and one of the rarest and helpful minerals will cease to exist in the natural environment. Learn more about what is elite shungite  ←(click here)

In conclusion, in today’s world, people have learned to fake almost everything. Please note, this rare mineral is no exception. We extracted every piece of elite shungite myself. See how real elite shungite minerals look in our collection. I guarantee that you will receive from us only real Shungite from Karelia. In addition, we are located directly in the Republic of Karelia and personally create all the products for our store. Therefore, you can be absolutely sure that you will receive from us only genuine products from the rare russian stone. And lately we are doing even faster delivery. The entire range of products from genuine mineral you can see in our online store.

Elite shungite fakes.

The fame of the amazing elite shungite is so great that scammers began to use it. Therefore, we warn our customers against fakes, and we remind you that the real elite shungite deposit is located only in Karelia. And scientists have not recorded large deposits of of this ancient shiny mineral in other parts of the Earth.

This rare mineral from Karelia with a high luster contains fullerenes and conducts electricity. This means that the resistance of real elite shungite tends to zero and it is practically a conductor. That’s why, the conductivity of of this mineral is very high and can be checked with a lamp test or with a multimeter. Fakes do not have the properties of this truly amazing mineral.

Properties of genuine shungite stone.

Most noteworthy this unusual mineral that has sorption and antibacterial properties. Affter all, due to the porous structure of this mineral is able to purify and mineralize water. Results of such studies are also publicly available.

Therefore, local residents in Karelia have long noticed the helpful properties of the water that passed through the shungite formations. In connection with this fact, in Karelia in 1719, Tsar Peter the Great opened the Marcial Waters resort. These waters have a truly helpful natural power. Recent drilling studies have shown that these waters are indeed flowing through a large formation of this ancient Precambrian mineral. This scientific discovery was an explanation of the helpful properties of this natural source of clear water. You can learn more in our special section – Shungite properties.

Metaphysical properties.

And of course, one cannot bypass the metaphysical properties of shungite, because it is a very ancient and powerful mineral. Therefore, many people who practice yoga and meditation use rods and sphere harmonizers. They note that if you perform meditative practices with of this ancient black mineral, you can really find harmony with your body and soul.

Natural EMF protection.

It is also important that, scientific studies have confirmed that Shungite has the ability to absorb electromagnetic waves of high frequency. This is a protection against EMF. Indeed, sources of such EMF waves are almost all electrical appliances, mobile phones and Wi-Fi with networks 5G it surrounds almost every person in the modern world. It’s really an amazing ability that this all-natural material has. 

That’s why we offer our stickers and engraved plates especially for mobile phones. In addition, you can put a large protection plate or a disc engraved with your favorite symbol on the electrical appliance to protect it from EMF radiation.

Voluntary certificate of conformity for shungite products.

Please note, that on the territory of the Russian Federation, a Shungite is not a product that is subject to mandatory certification. Therefore, many unscrupulous sellers from other cities of Russia or other Countries sell Shungite-containing rocks under the guise of genuine.

However, this does not mean that certification of shungite products on a voluntary basis is impossible. Therefore, we have made such a voluntary certification of our products. Since our company “Shungite-c60” is aimed at long-term cooperation with our regular customers and is ready to offer them the best quality and guarantee the authenticity of each of our products.

Maybe you have other questions, please Contact Us.