The facts
What shungite actually is
Mineralogically, shungite is carbonaceous rock — Up to 98% carbon, including fullerenes, crystallising in the amorphous system.
The colour is caused by carbon. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 1.9–2.1; cleavage is none.
Where shungite comes from
The recognised sources are Shunga, Karelia, Russia — the only locality.
One source only — which is unusual, and which means an origin claim naming anywhere else is either a mistake or a different material.
Is shungite treated?
None. Black plastic and shale are sold as shungite.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What shungite is confused with
The usual confusions are Anthracite, Black plastic and Slate.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 1.9–2.1, hardness of 3.5–4, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What shungite is used for
Shungite is bought by wellness and body care, water treatment and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the kilo or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 3.5–4; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What shungite costs
Indicative pricing for shungite is $0.10–3/g.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is shungite treated?
None. Black plastic and shale are sold as shungite.
Where does shungite come from?
Shunga, Karelia, Russia — the only locality. That is the only commercial source.
Is shungite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does shungite cost?
Indicatively $0.10–3/g. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is shungite confused with?
Most often Anthracite, Black plastic and Slate. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 1.9–2.1, hardness and magnification.
What is shungite used for besides jewellery?
wellness and body care, water treatment and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for shungite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about shungite