Shungite History & Uses
A Deep Dive into Shungite - It’s Early Uses
As with any discovery, we humans tend to use what we already know and apply the same logic when trying to make sense of something new. Take for example shungite. In appearance, shungite may have resembled that of coal to those who originally found it. Naturally, they used their logic, put two and two together, and decided to explore the possibility of using shungite for fuel.
Shungite as a fuel source: Did it work?
Countless attempts were made during the Crimean War, World War I, and during the fuel shortage experienced in the city of Leningrad to find ways to burn shungite. All attempts were unsuccessful despite the high content of carbon in the rock. Even through shungite had high activity in redox processes, the rocks couldn’t burn in furnaces. Mother nature had different plans for shungite apparently and frankly, thank goodness she did. Researchers lost interest in shungite once they realized that shungite couldn’t be used as a fuel source.
What Exactly is Shungite?
In the most simplistic terms, shungite is a mineral deposit. It was originally found on the shores of Lake Onega in Shunga, a Karelian village, where it got its name. Shungite has varying degrees of carbon content.
Here’s a quick snapshot of some facts you may not know about shungite:
- Shungite carbon is X-ray amorphous, fullerene-like, and non-graphite.
- On a molecular level, its tendency is to build spherical structures and complex matrices of spheres upon spheres ranging from 10-30 nm in size.
- Similar carbon structures to shungite have been found in space.
- Shungite rocks are a natural nanostructured composite, and, very diverse in composition.
- The carbon content in stratified shungite rocks ranges from only a fraction of a percent to 70% or more.
- Shungite’s mineral composition varies from quartz to complex silicate.
Modern Uses of Shungite
You’ve heard of the typical uses of shungite: EMF protection, making shungite water, adding it to handmade beauty products, aiding in spiritual practices, interior decorating, gardening with it, etc. etc. The list goes on and on...but what about the other uses you may not be familiar with?
Shungite may have failed as a fuel source, but it’s now being used for some unusual applications. Let’s take Zazhoginsky shungite for example, a shungite deposit that is composed of carbon, quartz, complex silicates and sulfides. It is this complex composition that makes it a great catalytic. In addition, shungite has bactericidal properties, high mechanical strength, low abrasion, low porosity, resistance to chemical media, has a high reducing ability, electrical conductivity, and, the ability to mix with all binders and interact with electromagnetic fields of various nature.
All in all, shungite is considered one of the most healing stones on the planet.
Diving into Zazhoginsky shungite - What makes it so special?
The diverse properties of Zazhoginsky shungite is what lends itself to its wide range of uses. Without getting into too much science, here are a few quick facts about Zazhoginsky shungite.
- It exerts a beneficial effect on the kinetics and energetics of reduction reactions in the Si - C - O system. If you’re curious to know more, reach out and we’ll share additional information on the science behind shungite.
- Shungite is used as a hardening additive in ramming masses for blast furnaces. This application allows for an increase in durability of the launders by 2 times.
- It’s composition gives specific properties to shungite powders, allowing them to act as stable homogeneous mixtures with all binders of both organic and inorganic nature (ie. aqueous suspensions, fluoroplastics, rubbers, resins, cements, etc.).
Shungite Powder Uses
Apart from using shungite powder to make pastes for natural healing and skin care, one of the most common uses for powdered shungite is as a black pigment for paint. Paints that contain shungite are weather resistant, can absorb high frequency electromagnetic radiation, have electrical conductivity and anti friction properties, among other uses.
Did you know? 8 rare facts about the uses of shungite
There’s more to learn about shungite and it’s miraculous properties and uses. Here’s a few more shungite facts to help you expand your knowledge of this powerful stone.
- Shungite paste can be used as a filler of polymeric materials such as plastic, polypropylene, and polyethylene. When shungite is added as a filler to these materials, the electrical conductivity increases and its wear resistance and strength are improved.
- As a filler of radio-shielding building materials like concrete, bricks, plaster and masonry mortars, the power of protection shungite has is observed.
- The presence of fullerene-like carbon in shungite is what gives it a wide range of healing properties; including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
- Looking for a treatment for age-related pathology? People have been heading to “Marcial waters” in Karelia to collect shungite water. The waters of the source "Three Ivan", is being used by many to treat skin diseases. Is it true? The best way to find out is to make a trip there yourself and find out!
- Shungite sand is used as a filter material as it acts as a sorbent. Essentially, it reduces the content of aluminum, iron, manganese, and phosphorus, while purifying the water.
- You can find shungite filters in sewage treatment systems at the intersection of nearby rivers. There are already over 30 shungite treatment facilities that have been built.
- Shungite water is being added to animal feed for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases in pigs and avian mycotoxicosis.
- Shungite has the ability to clean and purify soil of toxic substances, while also eliminating the appearance of toxic derivatives of heptyl synthesized in a natural process.
So, there you have it, a brief history of shungite that has been hidden until now. Shungite is truly a magical stone, gaining attention by those who are interested in its practical uses, and by others who are experimenting with it for its healing properties. The scope of shungite is incredibly wide and unusual. Now it’s your time to experiment with it to find out what other ways shungite can be used. Enjoy the journey of exploration.