Geological Information

Geological Information of Shungite

Geological Identification

• Precambrian carbonaceous rock of volcanic origin found only at Karelia, Lake Onega, Russia.
• Scientists estimate the age of Shungite to be almost 2 billion years.
• Though it is similar in appearance to coal, it is found in very ancient layers of the Earth's crust that were formed when there were no life forms on the Earth. More here.
• In general Shungite is amorphous substance, but there are elements of graphite, diamond and fullerene internal structures.
• Because it contains fullerene molecules. This is what makes it very unique and different from other minerals.
• Fullerenes (any molecule composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube) were found in a family of minerals known as Shungites in Karelia, Russia - only known natural mineral to have them.

Special Notes

• There are three forms of Shungite.
  • The most typical comes from Zazhoginskaya mine, and contains about 30% of carbon, 57% of silicates, and 13% of other minerals. It has black colour and matte surface.
  • Hardest to get - Petrovsky shungite - 70% of carbon.
  • The other type of Shungite is called noble Shungite and contains up to 94% of carbon. This one has a metallic lustre and comes in small quantities from Shunga village. It is expensive but also the most effective.
• Websites claim: Scientists who have investigated this phenomenon have unanimously declared it a healing miracle. However I did do a quick search and it does have some interesting physical properties scientifically written up.