Shungite is a black stone that is usually shiny and intense in appearance. It has been around forapproximately 2 billion years, but it wasn't until the 1996 Nobel Prize-winning research that discovered antioxidant fullerenes within the stone that the world began to take notice of shungite. Springs that pass over shungite stones are typically turned into natural spas due to its cleansing properties - it is believed that shungite has purified water long before we began to use compressed charcoal or carbon blocks in water filters for the same purpose. Shungite is available in many different grades, the highest of which is known as "Elite Shungite," which we carry in some of our jewellery. Elite shungite is fragile and must be dug by hand, which means that it is difficult to cut and shape it, so it is often sold in its raw state. It boasts a glassy shine and may look very similar to raw obsidian. The "Regular" grade of shungite has a lower carbon component, making it less crumbly and this is the grade that you will often see cut, carved, and otherwise polished to a nice, matte finish. Spiritually, shungite is known as the ultimate cleanser. It is said to absorb and eliminate anything harmful or hazardous to the body. Shungite is also said to calm and relax anyone using it, or is simply near it, and may provide a general sense of wellbeing.
