So, What is Shungite?
Shungite is a beautiful and mysterious stone that is found in only one location on the planet -a town in the Russian Republic of Karelia, called Shunga. Because it is only found in this specific location, shungite is a relatively rare stone, and is purported to confer a wide range of health benefits, when used properly, including:
Soothe insomnia
Relieve pain
Improve energy levels
Detoxify the mind, body, and spirit
Protect against electromagnetic frequency (EMF)
Like crystals, shungite stones have been around for millennia, however the origins of shungite remain unclear. Shungite’s composition is about 98% carbon, with remaining trace elements of quartz, mica, albite, pyrite, and other minerals. The mystery of shungite lies in the fact that carbon-based substances are typically derived from decomposed organic matter, such as ancient forests. While carbon-based shungite, on the other hand, is estimated to be at least 2 billion years old—which would place its origin before the planet had any biological life.
Additionally, the composition of the stone is unusual. It’s made up of “fullerenes,” which are 60-carbon-atom 3-D spherical molecules - also known as Buckyballs. In recent years, the naturally occurring shapes, textures, and energetic properties of shungite have made it quite popular among alternative medicine practitioners, such as naturopaths and energy healers.
While mainstream, Western medicine remains rather hostile towards the idea of stones and crystals having any healing properties, recent studies demonstrate that shungite in particular, was able to considerably soothe inflamed skin in mice, after being exposed to harmful levels of UV-B rays. Though not tested on humans, this was a promising indicator that advocates of stone and crystal use, may be on to something.
In addition to possibly helping reduce inflammation, Western medicine has also confirmed that shungite stones also have beneficial uses in water filtration, antimicrobial uses, and health care technology.
Water filtration: Sand, stones, and the many layers of the earth act as a natural water filtration system. Carbon-based water filters have also been used to purify water for a long time. Shungite appears to remove impurities and other organic substances from water. Which makes it useful for sewage, water treatment, and cooling water at power plants.
Antimicrobial uses: Shungite also seems able to kill bacteria and other germs. This is mostly useful as a way to purify water but could also work for treating swimming pool water.
And finally, in regards to health care technology: Shungite’s fullerenes (referenced earlier), are nanoparticles that have a strong role in nanotechnology — creating things with atomic particles.
Scientists are currently working with fullerenes, to see if they might be able to carry unstable atoms inside themselves. These could be useful as contrast agents for testing, which are substances that you take to help the machines better see your body or cells.
Regardless of mainstream criticism however, many alternative medicine practitioners remain convinced of shungite’s benefits, particularly in the realm of electromagnetic frequency protection, which according to multiple studies, has proven to be quite harmful to people, when they are subjected to prolonged periods of exposure.