Shungite
Shungite Stone Meaning and Crystal Metaphysical Healing Properties
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Shungite is a black, lustrous, non-crystalline mineraloid consisting of more than 98% carbon by weight. It was first described from a deposit near Shunga village, in Karelia, Russia, from where it gets its name. The stone has been reported to contain trace amounts of fullerenes (0.0001 – 0.001%). Shungite is unique due to its high carbon content and potential benefits, which make it a popular choice for various purposes, from metaphysical practices to water purification.
Shungite Stone Meaning
The term “shungite” was originally used in 1879 to describe a mineraloid with more than 98% carbon. More recently, the term has also been used to describe shungite-bearing rocks, leading to some confusion.
Shungite is classified based on its carbon content. Shungite-1 has a carbon content of 98-100%, while shungite-2, -3, -4, and -5 have contents ranging from 35-80%, 20-35%, 10-20%, and less than 10%, respectively. The rock is also subdivided based on its luster into bright, semi-bright, semi-dull, and dull varieties. This classification helps in understanding the quality and potential uses of each type of shungite.
The crystal has two main modes of occurrence: disseminated within the host rock and as mobilized material. Migrated shungite, which is bright, is believed to represent migrated hydrocarbons. It is found either as layers or lenses, near conformable with the host rock layering, or as veins that cross-cut the host rock. It can also occur as clasts within younger sedimentary rocks.
Where Is Shungite Found?
To date, shungite has mainly been found in Russia. The main deposit is in the Lake Onega area of Karelia, at Zazhoginskoye, near Shunga. Another occurrence is at Vozhmozero. Two smaller occurrences have been reported in Russia, one in Kamchatka in volcanic rocks and the other formed by the burning of spoil from a coal mine at high temperatures in Chelyabinsk. Other occurrences have been described in Austria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kazakhstan.
Russia remains the most significant source of shungite, and the deposits in Karelia are particularly notable for their quality. The unique geological conditions in these areas have contributed to the formation of shungite with exceptionally high carbon content.
Formation
Shungite has been regarded as an example of abiogenic petroleum formation, but its biological origin has now been confirmed. Non-migrated shungite is found directly above deposits that formed in a shallow water carbonate shelf to non-marine evaporitic environment.
The shungite-bearing sequence is believed to have been deposited during active rifting, consistent with the alkaline volcanic rocks found within the sequence. The organic-rich sediments were probably deposited in a brackish lagoonal setting. The concentration of carbon indicates elevated biological productivity levels, possibly due to high levels of nutrients available from interbedded volcanic material.
These unique conditions allowed for the accumulation of organic material, which over millions of years transformed into the shungite deposits we find today. This transformation involved complex geological processes, including heat and pressure, which contributed to the high purity of shungite.
Shungite Deposits and Origin
The shungite deposit contains an estimated total carbon reserve of more than 250 gigatonnes. It is found within a sequence of Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks preserved in a synform.
The sequence is dated by a gabbro intrusion, which gives a date of 1980 ± 27 million years, and the underlying dolomites, which give an age of 2090 ± 70 million years. There are nine shungite-bearing layers within the Zaonezhskaya Formation, from the middle of the preserved sequence. Of these, the thickest is layer six, also known as the “Productive Horizon,” due to its concentration of rock deposits.
Four main deposits are known from the area: the Shungskoe, Maksovo, Zazhogino, and Nigozero deposits. The Shungskoe deposit is the most studied and is mainly mined out. The richness of these deposits has made shungite a valuable resource not only for scientific study but also for practical applications in various industries.
Shungite Uses
Shungite has been used as a folk medical treatment since the early 18th century. Peter the Great set up Russia’s first spa in Karelia to make use of the water-purifying properties of shungite, which he had experienced himself. He also promoted its use in providing purified water for the Russian army.
The antibacterial properties of shungite have been confirmed by modern testing. Since the mid-18th century, shungite has been used as a pigment for paint, currently sold under the names “carbon black” or “shungite natural black.”
In the 1970s, shungite was used in the production of an insulating material called shungisite. Shungisite is prepared by heating rocks with low carbon concentrations to 1090–1130°C and is used as a low-density filler. Today, shungite continues to be valued for its unique properties and is used in products ranging from jewelry to health and wellness items.
Shungite Stone Meaning and Crystal Metaphysical Healing Properties
The following section is based on cultural beliefs and is not scientifically proven.
Shungite stones are believed to enhance the health of the mind, body, and soul in various ways. Shungite is considered an excellent grounding stone.
Its high vibration helps to bring spiritual properties into the physical plane, allowing individuals to integrate cosmic wisdom and karmic lessons. Shungite is also considered a powerful cleanser, helping to banish things from life that may drain energy.
Many believe that shungite can protect against electromagnetic radiation. With the increasing presence of electronic devices in our daily lives, shungite has gained popularity as a potential shield against harmful EMFs (electromagnetic fields). It is often placed near computers, routers, and other electronic devices to help neutralize their effects.
Purifies Water
Since ancient times, shungite has been used to purify water due to its alleged antibacterial and antiviral properties. A 2018 study found that rough shungite can filter water by removing contaminants and organic substances like pesticides. A 2017 study also found that carbon from shungite can remove radioactive compounds from water.
Using shungite to purify water is simple. Placing shungite stones in a container of water for a few hours is believed to help cleanse and energize the water. Many people use shungite water for drinking, cooking, and even watering plants, attributing various health benefits to its use.
Healing Uses
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed, try wearing a piece of shungite jewelry.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, bring your attention to the place where the stone is making contact with your body, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale for a count of four. This deep, rhythmic breathing can help bring you back to your center and create stillness in your mind.
Shungite is also used in meditation practices. Holding a piece of shungite or placing it near you during meditation is believed to help ground your energy, promoting a deeper and more balanced meditative experience. Some practitioners use shungite to balance the root chakra, which is associated with feelings of stability and security.
FAQ
Does Shungite Have Healing Properties?
Shungite is believed to have healing properties for physical purification and detoxification. Its properties are also said to extend into emotional and spiritual realms, allowing those who work with shungite to cleanse their energy field of harmful or unwanted energies.
Where Should I Put Shungite in My House?
Place shungite next to your bed or under your pillow. You can also put a shungite pyramid near your computer monitor or microwave, or attach a shungite plate to the back of your mobile phone. Wearing shungite as pendants or amulets is another popular option.
Is It Safe to Wear Shungite?
Wearing shungite is believed to make chakra healing more powerful while neutralizing the energy released from blocked or overactive chakras. This helps to safely restore balance to the root chakra during chakra healing practices.
How Can You Tell If Shungite Is Real?
The deep black color is the first distinguishing sign of genuine shungite. It often has infusions of brown, gray, or golden colors, which are traces of other minerals, such as pyrite, found in the same layer.
Another way to test the authenticity of shungite is to check its conductivity. Genuine shungite is electrically conductive due to its high carbon content. Using a simple conductivity tester can help verify if your shungite is real.
How Do You Cleanse Your Crystals?
To cleanse shungite, immerse the crystal in a water bath overnight or hold it under cool running water for a few minutes. You can also use saltwater to purify crystals by immersing them in ocean water or a mixture made from 1-2 tablespoons of salt completely dissolved in 8 ounces of water. Rinse the crystal in clear water afterward.
Another popular method is to leave shungite in moonlight overnight, as it is believed that the energy of the moon helps recharge the stone. This method is often used by those who work with shungite for its metaphysical properties.
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