What on Earth Is Shungite?

Shungite is a black, carbon-rich rock from the Karelia region of Russia, formed from some of Earth's oldest organic deposits, and it rates around 4 on the Mohs scale. It is often called the Stone of Life or the Miracle Stone, and people choose it for its look and its protective symbolism in crystal lore.

The Physical Properties of Shungite

Shungite is a black-colored, particular stone owing to its structure. It has trace amounts of fullerenes, which provide far more developed carbon than the variety that is in coal. Its carbon matrix is usually classified as C60 on the mineral scale, meaning that Shungite is much stronger than coal carbon. Shungite is what remained of Earth's first oil deposits from the Precambrian era, and it has a biogenic origin.

Shungite's score on Mohs hardness scale can vary, but it's usually around 4, and it often has a semimetallic or metallic luster. However, it does not possess the crystallization capabilities of graphite or diamond.

The History of Shungite

Shungite originates from the Karelia region of Russia. It got its name in 1879, from the locality from which it was first mined in the mid-19^th century, the Shunga village on Onega lake. Legend says Czar Peter of Russia travelled to this region, and ever since shungite has been regarded in Russia as a special stone with a place in local folklore. Other localities where Shungite has been found are in Austria, Central Africa, Kazakhstan, India, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Lore of Shungite

Due to its relatively recent discovery, there's not much information to be found about Shungite in ancient resources. Still, ever since its peculiar structure containing fullerenes has been investigated, Shungite has been thought of as a stone of magic and protection from negative everyday influences. In fact, in magic lore, its black color signifies protection from evil or harmful magic, blocking psychic occurrences and malevolent force.

The Metaphysical Properties of Shungite

In crystal lore shungite is the protective stone, and people associate it with shielding from negative energy and from the "smog" of modern electronics. These are traditions and beliefs, not claims about what the stone does. You will find it in shungite spheres, pyramids and jewellery.

It is traditionally paired with the Third Eye chakra and with the aura, and is seen as a symbol of balance and personal power. Shungite is believed to support your spiritual growth by symbolizing protection from negative energy, and it is said to stand for self-belief and confidence.

In folklore shungite is a lucky stone and a favourite to pair with other stones. It is a symbol of confidence and self-belief, not a shortcut to your goals.