What is shungite?
Shungite is a rare black stone made of up to 99 percent carbon. It’s mainly found in Shunga, a village in Karelia, Russia.
The stone has a unique composition. It contains fullerenes, or 3-D spherical molecules made of 60 carbon atoms. These molecules are hollow and sometimes called buckyballs.
Along with fullerenes, shungite consists of nearly all the minerals on the periodic table.
The origin of shungite is a mystery. Typically, materials made of carbon come from decayed organic substances like old forests. But the stone is thought to be at least 2 billion years old. This is before organic life existed on the planet.
Some theories of shungite’s origins include:
a large meteorite collided into Earth and deposited shungite into the ground
shungite formed due to microorganisms in nearby water
the composition of organic matter in sedimentary rocks changed over time
Although scientists are unsure of how shungite was formed or where it came from, they attribute the stone’s potential benefits to its fullerene content.
Does it have any benefits?
To date, there’s little scientific evidence on the benefits of shungite — many are anecdotal or need more solid research. We outline the purported benefits of shungite below.
Kills bacteria and viruses
Fullerenes, which are found in shungite, are a type of carbon nanostructure (CNS). CNSs are different physical forms of carbon.
According to a 2017 review of studiesTrusted Source, CNSs can destroy harmful pathogens. They reportedly work by damaging the cell walls of bacteria and viruses. Additionally, when CNSs interact with microbes, the microbes lose electrons and die.
However, it’s unclear what this means for human disease. More studies are needed to understand how the fullerenes in shungite can specifically affect pathogens.
Purifies water
Since ancient times, shungite has been used to purify water. This is due to its alleged activity against bacteria and viruses.
Shungite is a rare black stone made of up to 99 percent carbon. It’s mainly found in Shunga, a village in Karelia, Russia.
The stone has a unique composition. It contains fullerenes, or 3-D spherical molecules made of 60 carbon atoms. These molecules are hollow and sometimes called buckyballs.
Along with fullerenes, shungite consists of nearly all the minerals on the periodic table.
The origin of shungite is a mystery. Typically, materials made of carbon come from decayed organic substances like old forests. But the stone is thought to be at least 2 billion years old. This is before organic life existed on the planet.
Some theories of shungite’s origins include:
a large meteorite collided into Earth and deposited shungite into the ground
shungite formed due to microorganisms in nearby water
the composition of organic matter in sedimentary rocks changed over time
Although scientists are unsure of how shungite was formed or where it came from, they attribute the stone’s potential benefits to its fullerene content.
Does it have any benefits?
To date, there’s little scientific evidence on the benefits of shungite — many are anecdotal or need more solid research. We outline the purported benefits of shungite below.
Kills bacteria and viruses
Fullerenes, which are found in shungite, are a type of carbon nanostructure (CNS). CNSs are different physical forms of carbon.
According to a 2017 review of studiesTrusted Source, CNSs can destroy harmful pathogens. They reportedly work by damaging the cell walls of bacteria and viruses. Additionally, when CNSs interact with microbes, the microbes lose electrons and die.
However, it’s unclear what this means for human disease. More studies are needed to understand how the fullerenes in shungite can specifically affect pathogens.
Purifies water
Since ancient times, shungite has been used to purify water. This is due to its alleged activity against bacteria and viruses.
A 2017 study found that carbon from shungite can remove radioactive compounds from water.
Reduces oxidative stress
According to a 2017 animal studyTrusted Source, shungite has antioxidant properties.
Researchers exposed mice to ultraviolet B radiation for 2 days. This caused skin damage and oxidative stress in the mice’s skin. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species, or molecules that damage healthy cells.
Then, for 7 days, the researchers applied a shungite solution to the mice’s damaged skin. This decreased ROS production and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
These results may seem promising, but it’s important to remember that the study was only done in mice. Additional research is needed to understand shungite’s antioxidant potential for humans.
Reduces inflammation
In the above-mentioned 2017 animal study, shungite was found to reduce inflammation. The researchers measured lower levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, or proteins involved in inflammation.
Because of this benefit, the scientists speculated that shungite may be useful for inflammatory diseases. Again, more research is necessary.
Eases physical ailments
Traditionally, water infused with shungite has been used for:
allergies
sore throats
asthma
gastric issues
arthritis
kidney problems
liver problems
gallbladder issues
autoimmune disease
pancreatic dysfunction
chronic fatigue
Theoretically, it’s believed that if shungite has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it could help these conditions.
However, research is lacking in this area, and there’s currently no clinical evidence to support the theory that shungite-infused water can help treat these conditions. As such, it’s safer to follow standard medical treatment protocols instead.
Reduces oxidative stress
According to a 2017 animal studyTrusted Source, shungite has antioxidant properties.
Researchers exposed mice to ultraviolet B radiation for 2 days. This caused skin damage and oxidative stress in the mice’s skin. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen species, or molecules that damage healthy cells.
Then, for 7 days, the researchers applied a shungite solution to the mice’s damaged skin. This decreased ROS production and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
These results may seem promising, but it’s important to remember that the study was only done in mice. Additional research is needed to understand shungite’s antioxidant potential for humans.
Reduces inflammation
In the above-mentioned 2017 animal study, shungite was found to reduce inflammation. The researchers measured lower levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, or proteins involved in inflammation.
Because of this benefit, the scientists speculated that shungite may be useful for inflammatory diseases. Again, more research is necessary.
Eases physical ailments
Traditionally, water infused with shungite has been used for:
allergies
sore throats
asthma
gastric issues
arthritis
kidney problems
liver problems
gallbladder issues
autoimmune disease
pancreatic dysfunction
chronic fatigue
Theoretically, it’s believed that if shungite has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it could help these conditions.
However, research is lacking in this area, and there’s currently no clinical evidence to support the theory that shungite-infused water can help treat these conditions. As such, it’s safer to follow standard medical treatment protocols instead.
Shields electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions
Users of shungite say the stone has the ability to shield you from EMF emissions.
Many people refer to an old 2003 studyTrusted Source, where shungite reportedly protected rats against electromagnetic irradiation.
Yet, the study is outdated and only involves animals. This phenomenon has some support theoretically, but more research is needed to see if there’s any benefit for humans.
Relieves stress
According to anecdotal reports, shungite is helpful for relieving stress. It’s believed to soak up negative energy and balance emotions.
How to use shungite
Shungite can be used in several ways. According to those who use it regularly, you can:
Infuse your water. Historically, shungite is used to purify water. You can use a shungite filter or place the stones in water for 2 to 3 days.
Wear it as jewelry. Like other stones, shungite is available as beads or pendants.
Carry it in your bag. This allows you to benefit from shungite’s healing properties when you’re on the go. Another option is to place the stone in your pocket.
Place it near EMF sources. Some people put the stone near electronic devices, like microwaves and Wi-Fi routers, to shield them from EMF.
Display shungite in your home. It’s recommended to put the stone near your bed to help you destress and improve your sleep.
Meditate with the stone. You can meditate near the stone or place it on your body.
Users of shungite say the stone has the ability to shield you from EMF emissions.
Many people refer to an old 2003 studyTrusted Source, where shungite reportedly protected rats against electromagnetic irradiation.
Yet, the study is outdated and only involves animals. This phenomenon has some support theoretically, but more research is needed to see if there’s any benefit for humans.
Relieves stress
According to anecdotal reports, shungite is helpful for relieving stress. It’s believed to soak up negative energy and balance emotions.
How to use shungite
Shungite can be used in several ways. According to those who use it regularly, you can:
Infuse your water. Historically, shungite is used to purify water. You can use a shungite filter or place the stones in water for 2 to 3 days.
Wear it as jewelry. Like other stones, shungite is available as beads or pendants.
Carry it in your bag. This allows you to benefit from shungite’s healing properties when you’re on the go. Another option is to place the stone in your pocket.
Place it near EMF sources. Some people put the stone near electronic devices, like microwaves and Wi-Fi routers, to shield them from EMF.
Display shungite in your home. It’s recommended to put the stone near your bed to help you destress and improve your sleep.
Meditate with the stone. You can meditate near the stone or place it on your body.