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Shungite

Photo: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Shungite

Also known as: Elite shungite, noble shungite

Ancient carbon-rich black rock from Karelia, Russia – popular in crystal lore for protection and purification.

  • ColourBlack, Silver-black
  • Mineral groupCarbon-rich rock (mineraloid)
  • ChemistryMostly carbon (C)
  • Hardness (Mohs)3.5–4
  • Crystal systemAmorphous
  • Where it's foundRussia (Shunga, Karelia)
  • ChakraRoot
  • ZodiacCapricorn

What is Shungite?

Shungite is a carbon-rich rock around 2 billion years old, named after the village of Shunga by Lake Onega in Karelia, Russia. "Elite" or "noble" shungite can contain up to around 98% carbon and has a silvery shine; regular black shungite contains less carbon.

In 1992 scientists reported traces of fullerenes (football-shaped carbon molecules) in shungite, which sparked wide interest. Shungite conducts electricity. Claims that it blocks electromagnetic radiation (EMF) or purifies water in a medical sense have not been scientifically proven.

Shungite astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsCapricorn
  • Ruling planetSaturn
  • ElementEarth
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Shungite meaning & traditional properties

In crystal traditions shungite is associated with protection, grounding and purification. Russian tradition links it to the spa at Marcial Waters founded by Peter the Great.

  • Protection
  • Grounding
  • Purification

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Shungite

  • Keep a shungite pyramid or plate near your desk or devices, following crystal tradition.
  • Carry a tumbled piece for grounding.

How to care for Shungite

Regular shungite leaves black marks on hands and fabric. Elite shungite is brittle. Rinse with water and dry.

Shop Shungite

Hand-picked shungite crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Shungite with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Shungite jewellery & pendulums

Shungite FAQs

Does shungite block EMF?

This is a popular belief but it has not been scientifically proven.

Where does shungite come from?

The Karelia region of Russia, near Lake Onega.

Related crystals

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    Striated black crystals of schorl – the most popular protection and grounding stone in crystal lore.

  • Black Obsidian
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    Natural volcanic glass with razor-sharp edges – a classic protective, grounding stone.

  • Hematite
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    Hematite

    Metallic iron oxide – the main ore of iron, found even on Mars, and a classic grounding stone.

  • Smoky Quartz
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    Smoky Quartz

    Brown to smoky-grey quartz darkened by natural radiation – Scotland's national gem and a grounding stone.

Sources