Mineral Guide · Material
Shungite is a carbon-rich mineraloid and sedimentary material, sold for its deep black colour, polish and distinctive Russian locality story.
Shungite is a carbon-rich mineraloid and sedimentary material, sold for its deep black colour, polish and distinctive Russian locality story.
Reference formula: C-rich. Shungite is not one pure mineral species and is commonly poorly crystalline or amorphous carbon mixed with silicate and other phases. It intentionally receives no artificial crystal lattice. Shungite is classified with mineraloids and has a not applicable crystal system. Typical hardness is 3–4 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 1.8–2.4.
Typical colours include black, dark grey, silver-grey. The usual massive, botryoidal, porous habit and dull, waxy, sub-metallic lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Shungite forms in or is associated with low-grade metamorphism and diagenesis of carbon-rich sedimentary rocks. Important documented localities include Karelia in Russia and other documented carbonaceous deposits.
Shungite sells as a tactile ornamental material, but a good guide separates its real carbon-rich geology from unsupported health claims and avoids presenting a mixed material as a single crystal.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive polishing dust. Keep dry, wash hands after handling loose material and document whether the piece is raw, polished or stabilised.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 28 August 2026
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