Origin: Shun'ga village, Lake Onega, Karelia Republic, Northern Region, Russia
Mineral Species: N/A
Mineral Group: N/A
Chemical Formula: C
Hardness: Variable
Crystal System: N/A
Colour: Black
Typical Appearance: Dark grey to black coal-like rock.
Birthstone: N/A
Chakra Alignment: Root and Earth
Element: Earth
Origin of Name & Mythology: Named for the type location. Originally described from Shun'ga area, Shun'ga village, Onega lake, Karelia Republic, Northern Region, Russia. The material is not officially recognised by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). The term ‘shungite’ was originally used in 1879 to describe a mineraloid with more than 98 percent carbon. More recently the term has also been used to describe shungite-bearing rocks, which has led to some confusion. Shungite has been used since the 18th century for its purification properties, specifically in purifying water and removing microbials.
Shungite is a powerful purification stone. It enters into a process with the user, removing impurities on every level of being, which eventually clear through the feet into the Earth. Physically, it removes toxins from the body and supports the immune and lymphatic systems, but it also clears and reinvigorates each chakra, extending through the energy body, from the Root Chakra upwards.
Shungite improves mental clarity, and also purifies our emotions and intentions. Working deeply, it shines a light on the more unpleasant aspects of personality, so we shed what isn’t needed, and are more aware of the aspects we need to embrace.
Shungite is capable of clearing the energy of an entire room, and sculptures, such as pyramids, are popular for this purpose. At the same time, it offers a level of protection against outside forces, such as EMF, and many wear shungite jewellery or keep it near the computer. Shungite means business, so can sometimes be uncomfortable to work with, and oddly can sometimes be ungrounding.