Shungite is a black, lustrous, non-crystalline mineraloid consisting of a high percentage of carbon. It's a soft black, not glossy like onyx, more like a pearl black. It was first found in a deposit near Shunga village, in Karelia, Russia, where it gets its name. Shungite has been used as a folk medical treatment since the early 18th century. Peter the Great set up Russia's first spa in Karelia to make use of the water purifying properties of shungite. There does appear to be scientific evidence for actual antibacterial properties of shungite, although probably not from just wearing the beads. Shungite is composed largely of carbon, including fullerene. It is a softish stone - Mohs 4 - so use in a way to prevent scratching and hard knocks. 8mm Approx. 50 on approx. 16 inch (40.64 cm) strand. (strand)
