Shungite

Carbon-based mineraloid: Precambrian origin

Shungite is a carbon-based mineraloid found almost exclusively in the Karelia region of Russia, in deposits estimated at over two billion years old, predating most multicellular life on Earth. Most geologists think it formed from ancient organic material, though its exact origin is still debated. The material ranges from ordinary shungite (~30–50% carbon) to elite shungite (>98% carbon). The beads in the Mana collection are polished standard shungite: matte black, dense, and visually absolute.

grounding protection composure presence

Origin: Karelia region, Russia
Hardness: 3.5-4 Mohs
Colour: Matte black, dense

Written by Mana for Men in Queensland, Australia

About Shungite

Formation & Physical Character

Shungite is ancient. Shungite formed approximately two billion years ago in what is now the Karelia region of northwest Russia, making it one of the oldest known carbon-bearing minerals on Earth. It predates complex life entirely.

The stone is composed primarily of carbon, including fullerenes, hollow molecular carbon structures that were only identified by science in 1985 and earned their discoverers a Nobel Prize. Shungite had been carrying them for two billion years before anyone thought to look.

It presents as a deep, matte black with a slightly waxy lustre when polished. Unlike the glassy black of Obsidian or the metallic sheen of Hematite, Shungite has a quieter surface, dense and absorptive rather than reflective. It feels substantial in the hand, heavier than it looks. The texture is fine-grained with an almost chalky quality in its raw state.

What It Carries

Associated with purification. Shungite's carbon has been studied for filtering water, and that idea of filtering is the heart of its meaning.

It is linked to clearing mental noise, the static of daily overstimulation. For men who spend their working lives surrounded by screens and constant input, Shungite represents a return to baseline.

It grounds without heaviness. Where Hematite anchors you to the earth with density, Shungite clears the noise so grounding happens naturally.

In the Collection

Shungite appears in The Seeker alongside Blue Kyanite, and in The Integrator paired with Tourmalinated Quartz. In The Seeker, it handles the filtration, stripping away noise so Kyanite’s clarity can land cleanly. In The Integrator, it provides the purifying foundation that allows Tourmalinated Quartz to do its work of reconciling opposing forces.

Wearing it

Avoid prolonged water exposure and harsh chemicals. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Worn in

Wear Shungite.

Black Friday

The Seeker Clarity

$111 USD ~~$139~~ · Bracelet
Two 25% · Three or more 30%
- Blue Kyanite
- Shungite
For the man who senses the answer but keeps looking for one more sign.
Black Friday

The Integrator Alignment

$111 USD ~~$139~~ · Bracelet
Two 25% · Three or more 30%
- Shungite
- Tourmalinated Quartz
For the man who holds opposing forces together when others take sides.

Questions

Shungite, answered.

What is Shungite?

Shungite is a black, carbon-rich mineraloid found almost exclusively in the Karelia region of Russia, near Lake Onega. It is estimated to be approximately 2 billion years old, making it one of the oldest known carbon-bearing materials on Earth. Its carbon content ranges from 30% to nearly 98% in the highest grades.

What does Shungite symbolise?

Shungite is associated with purification, grounding, and protection. Its extreme age and unique carbon structure give it associations with deep stability and the filtering of what is not needed. In crystal practice, it is valued for its capacity to ground and centre, clearing mental noise.

How do you care for Shungite?

Shungite rates 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale and requires gentle handling. Clean with a soft dry cloth. Avoid prolonged water immersion. Note that Shungite may leave faint black residue initially due to its high carbon content; this diminishes with wear. Store separately from lighter-coloured stones.

Where does Shungite come from?

Shungite is found almost exclusively in the Zazhoginskoye deposit near Shunga village in Karelia, Russia. This is the only known deposit of high-grade Shungite in the world. The deposit formed approximately 2 billion years ago from ancient organic material, possibly some of the earliest life forms on Earth.

Related stones

Worn for the same work.

Black Tourmaline
protection · grounding
Schorl, the most abundant member of the tourmaline group. Opaque deep black with natural vertical striations along the prismatic crystal axes. Hard, durable, and electrically polar. Associated with grounding and protection.
Worn in The Alchemist · Inner Strength · Stillness
Tourmalinated Quartz
balance · integration
Clear quartz threaded with black tourmaline needles, one stone holding two minerals in visible tension. A physical embodiment of unified opposing forces.
Worn in The Integrator
Black Onyx
structure · discipline
Solid black chalcedony, visually restrained and structurally stable. Associated with grounding, structure and quiet strength.
Worn in 3 Archetypes · 1 Intention
Lava Stone
grounding · stability
Lava Stone is solidified basalt, the porous volcanic rock formed when molten lava cools and hardens at the earth's surface. Its open, pumice-like texture is the visible record of gas escaping during cooling. Matte black, lightweight, and grounding to the touch. Associated with stability under heat: composure forged in the moments you can't control.
Worn in 18 Intentions

Browse all 41 stones

Inner Alchemy Quiz

Find the stones
for your work.

Not sure where to start?

Begin the Quiz

Answer 7 questions

Honest questions about how you operate. About 60 seconds.
Find your Archetype

Your closest match and the stones chosen for its work.
Wear it daily

Made to order in Queensland, Australia. Dispatched within 2 business days of your purchase.

Country / region

Saved pieces

Shungite