Shungite & Fullerenes: History and Metaphysical Uses

Shungite is found only in Karelia, in Northern Russia, near a small settlement called Shunga on the shores of Lake Onega.  It is at least two billion years old and formed before organic life was established on Earth. This in itself is remarkable, as carbon based minerals derive from decayed organic matter such as ancient forests. Shungite is a black crystal, sometimes with a metallic luster, and can easily be mistaken for a piece of coal or just another lump of rock. However, appearances can be deceiving, and this unassuming mineral is believed to have been instrumental in creating life on Earth – hence its nickname the “Stone of Life”.

History of Shungite

Lake Onega in Russia is sits on a shungite bed and is thought by many to provide many health benefits and it has been used as healing spa for centuries. The original settlers on the shores of the lake made extensive use of the purified waters as the believed that the stones themselves would protect against infection and harmful micro-organisms. They were said to have regularly drank Shungite water as a traditional cure all for many diverse conditions.

Peter the Great made all of the soldiers in his army carry a piece of Shungite during their campaigns to purify the water they drank and to wash their wounds to avoid infection. He established the first Russian Healing Spa on the shores of Lake Onega for the use of soldiers injured in battle. Later, the aristocracy flocked to this Spa to invigorate and recharge themselves.

Discovery of Fullerenes

Fullerenes are a crystalline form of carbon and Shungite is the only known natural source of fullerenes on Earth, with the exception of a few meteorites. The remarkable healing properties of Shungite come from these fullerenes, which even today are not fully understood by scientists and their formation remains a mystery. What is known, however, is that Shungite's fullerenes are exceptionally powerful antioxidants and shield living cells from the effects of free radicals.

The Science

Shungite has been the subject of scientific investigation in Russia for decades. it contains virtually all the mineral elements in the periodic table, and its shielding powers have been acknowledged for centuries. In 1996, two English scientists were awarded the Nobel prize for their discovery of fullerenes, the source of the remarkable properties of Shungite. Fullerenes empower nanotechnology they are excellent geothermal and electromagnetic conductors. Conversely, they also shield electromagnetic frequency emissions.

In Russia, this mineral is used extensively in a wide variety of contexts, including the chemical and construction industries, agriculture, medicine, water filtration, metallurgy and ecology.

Creating handmade jewelry with stone beads is a great way to benefit from it during daily tasks.

Do you have experience with shungite? Share it with the community by commenting below!