Shungite Stone: Benefits, Healing Effects and Uses

Shungite, scientifically a mineraloid, is a carbon-rich black stone of a metallic nature. Many believe it has healing properties and refer to it as the 'healing crystal'. It is similar to the other minerals but has structural and chemical differences.

The historical background of Shungite stone is fascinating. It originates from the Russian village of Sunga in the Republic of Karelia, close to Finland. The local Karelians have been using it for centuries for water purification, to balance emotions, soak up negative energy and promote healing. Its unique physical form and high carbon contents destroy the water's viruses, bacteria and other harmful pathogens.

However, more solid scientific evidence for these claims is needed, and it is still a subject of research.

What is a shungite stone? 

In mineralogy, 'shungite' refers to a mineraloid with more than 98% carbon content. Carbon is an element that forms organic compounds and petroleum products. Due to its high carbon content, the shungite is believed to have originated from dead animals and plants buried under the rocks for billions of years.

The actual origin is the subject of different theories. One theory suggests its development before the start of organic life. This theory has been rejected as a very high carbon content proves it has a biological origin. Another theory describes it as a fossilised organic substance buried under the rocks since the earth started to form in the Precambrian era. 

Yet another theory called the meteorite impact theory states that once a giant meteorite containing fragments of a life-bearing planet Phaeton collided with the earth, the deposited material ultimately changed into shungite with time.

Uses of Shungite stone

There are anecdotal reports of the healing power of shungite stone in the local literature. Despite fantastic claims by traditional healers and quacks, there is no scientific backing to these claims. Consequently, the medical community has rebuffed these claims as quackery and pseudoscience.

According to conventional sources, the carbon contents of the stone influence its efficacy. Milan Sys (University of Pardubice, Czech Republic) categorises the shungite based on carbon content as shungite-1 or the noble elite shungite with 90-98% carbon, shungite-2 or raw/ rough shungite with 35–80% carbon and shungite-3 with a carbon content of 20-35%. The potential benefits claimed by the traditional healers and their scientific evidence are: 

Water purification 

Shungite has historically been used to purify the drinking water and remove disease-causing pathogens from the water. This claim has some scientific backing, as shungite is known to have antibacterial properties and absorb heavy metals and organic matter from the water. 

A review published in the Journal of Water and Health in 2021 noted that shungite significantly absorbs the copper from water. However, the same review noted that various other metals e.g., arsenic, chromium, zinc, lead, copper and nickel are leaching from the stone into the water suggesting that water purification claims are false. 

Elimination of bacteria and viruses 

Its antiviral and antibacterial properties are attributed to the fullerenes, the spherical molecules in which 60 carbon atoms join to form a hollow carbon nanostructure (CNS). The CNSs can destroy the viruses and bacteria in two ways: by damaging the cellular walls of bacteria and protein coats of viruses and by causing the loss of electrons from viruses and bacteria. 

A study at James Cook University, Australia, in 2017 reviewed the antimicrobial properties of carbon nanostructures but found no proof that this ability, essentially a laboratory fantasy, helps treat bacterial and viral infections. No clinical studies on Humans and animals have found that drinking shungite water or topical application of shungite water or any other treatment helps treat viral and bacterial infections.

Shielding effect against oxidative stress 

The shungite proponents claim it prevents oxidative damage to the cells caused by radiation from electronic equipment and sunlight. No human research has, however, proven this claim.

The studies on animal models are promising, as a 2017 study by Easter Joy Sajo and his colleagues using mice as an experimental model found that topical application of shungite after exposure to the ultraviolet B (UVB) reduces the effects of oxidative stress resulting in reduced wrinkles, pigments and roughness of the skin. 

Human clinical studies are needed to verify the claims about humans. 

Decreased emotional stress

It is claimed that practising mindfulness and meditation with shungite helps relieve stress. However, meditation in itself is a stress relief method, and shungite is not likely to be responsible. Some traditional sources claim that it balances emotions by absorbing negative energy. 

Health professionals have attributed the reported emotional benefits to the placebo effect. The placebo effect is when a person believes in the efficacy of specific treatments and experiences positive outcomes not due to the treatment but the brain's response to the beliefs.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The above 2017 study by Easter Joy Sajo found that it reduces inflammation as its use was associated with lower levels of inflammatory proteins, cytokines and markers. The researchers have speculated that it may be beneficial for inflammatory conditions. More research is, however, needed.

How is Shungite used? 

Despite little solid benefits besides some degree of water purification, the proponents use it in the following ways:

• Carrying the shungite stone in the pocket or bag  
• Wearing the Shungite stone as jewellery
• Placing the Shungite nearby during yoga and meditation or holding it in my hands during meditation for spiritual awakening
• Using a shungite water filter to remove germs and purify the water
• Placing the Shungite stone close to electronic equipment for protection from electromagnetic field (EMF)
• Decorating the homes for aesthetic appeal

Safety of Shungite Stone 

The safety depends upon how a person is using it. Health professionals say drinking Shungite water is risky, and no amount is considered safe for human consumption. The Shungite stone, particularly the unwashed ones, releases heavy metals like cadmium, zinc, copper, arsenic and nickel into the water. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Water and Health noted that washing it many times lower heavy metal leakage.

Engulfing the stone is dangerous, as it causes irritation and choking. Wearing the stone as jewellery, placing it nearby during meditation, using it as decoration and placing it near the sources of EMF poses no risks, and there is no issue in doing so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What country does the Shungite stone originate from? 

It originates from Russia, and the primary deposits are found near Lake Onega, Karelia, near the village of Shunga. Another deposit is located at Vozhomozero.

Does Shungite stone cause the release of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem? 

Although the benefits are not verified, one known hazard is the release of different chemicals and heavy metals into the marine ecosystem. It is the reason why the drinking of shungite water is strictly prohibited.

What are some unique things about Shungite? 

Besides having a ubiquitous origin, the claims about the healing properties of Shungite are marvellous. The proponents claim that it purifies water, blocks harmful energy and radiation, heals the wound and destroys the harmful bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in the water. The claims about the healing power of shungite were so famous that Peter the Great, a Russian King, set up a SPA in the region to utilise Shungite for himself. 

What are the best healing stones? 

The most powerful healing stones with claimed benefits are Larimar for soothing, Rose Quartz for compassion and love, Clear Quartz for healing, ruby to boost energy and confidence, sapphire to symbolise good fortune, peace and wisdom, Citrine for abundance, Selenite for purification, Carnelian for motivation and vitality, Amethyst for spiritual awakening and Black Tourmaline as a protective shield. The benefits are anecdotal without any scientific backing. 

Is shungite stone suitable for the skin? 

The Shungite with the fullerene carbon is claimed to alleviate the free radical associated damage to the skin, which is the primary cause of skin ageing. The results of animal studies are promising.

What are the contents of Shungite? 

This rare black stone has up to 99% carbon. It has fullerene, a unique 3-D molecule of 60 carbon atoms. The low-grade types have lower carbon content.

What are the uses of Shungite soap? 

Shungite has been cleaning and revitalising the local water for thousands of years. Its soap has the potential to exfoliate and deeply cleanse the skin. It absorbs the skin impurities and makes the skin soft and smooth. 

Is Shungite inorganic and Organic? 

The fullerene has a carbon skeleton, like organic compounds. However, the crystal of such molecules, the Fullerit, appears like a crystal. That is why it is called the living stone, as being a transitional material between organic and inorganic. 

Takeaway 

Shungite is a unique carbon material originating from the Karelia region of Russia. Traditional medicine uses it as a healer for spiritual awakening, water purification and protection from germs, oxidative stress and emotional imbalances. These claims have little scientific backing, and benefits are just anecdotal.

We do not recommend relying on stones for health matters; people must seek medical help in such cases. Welzo online GP Appointment is an easy and affordable way to connect with GMC & NHS registered doctors, get online prescriptions and explore health conditions privately.