In my time working at Well+Good, I’ve developed a love for crystals. I’ve interviewed all sorts celebrities and wellness leaders alike, who have all praise their purported high-vibe properties, from Miranda Kerr, who sleeps with rose quartz under her pillow to Olympian figure skater Adam Rippon, who says his go-to gemstones bring him good workout vibes. But there’s one much-revered crystal that my personal collection has been missing: shungite.
Lately, every crystal lover that I chat with raves about shungite and its purported benefits, which are unique and powerful, according to those who are in-the-know. “Shungite is an ancient rock formation that’s believed to be about two billion years old,” says Colleen McCann, energy practitioner and founder of Style Rituals. “Shungite receives its healing powers from one of its elements, fullerenes, which are a crystalline form of carbon and a major component of the gemstone.” Interestingly enough, McCann says that shungite is the only known source of fullerenes on earth—except for a few meteorites—which means it’s extra special.
The stone has been used for centuries, and originally hails from a village called Shunga in Russia (where it gets its name), says McCann. “Legend and lore dates back to the reign of Ivan the Terrible, and locals knew about its mysterious powers,” she tells me, and aside from being used for its metaphysical prowess, some has used the carbon-rich stone to purify water.
“There are two types of shungite: Type one is known as ‘noble’ or ‘elite’ shungite, because it’s the purest form that contains 98 percent carbon,” McCann explains. “This one has a shiny, black, and silvery metallic luster and accounts for only one percent of all available shungite. Type two, which is black shungite that’s black and semi-dull in color, is 50 to 70 percent carbon based, and can easily be shaped and polished.” Keep scrolling to learn about the shungite metaphysical properties that can upgrade your crystal collection, plus how to use it.
Get to know shungite’s healing properties
It protects you from electromagnetic frequency (EMFs). Obviously, everyone today is surrounded by technology and electronics (sup, iPhone). “We walk around in an ocean of electromagnetic Wi-Fi waves,” says McCann. “Shungite attenuates electromagnetic emissions from electrical grids, computers, cell-phones, Wi-Fi, appliances, and other electronic devices—meaning shungite transforms harmful manmade EMFs into wave forms that are more compatible with our biology.”
It can purify water. This is all due to the crystal’s carbon content. “Shungite’s high carbon content acts as a natural high-filtering capacity for water,” says McCann. “Shungite can alter water by purifying and energizing it plus enriching it with minerals. The water it filters contains natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which makes it beneficial to our cells and tissues, along with our immune function.” There’s even science that backs up shungite for water purification, noting that it raises calcium, oxygen, magnesium, and other essential mineral content to your basic H2O.
It can help you feel grounded. According to McCann, shungite’s beneficial for your first, second, and third chakras. “Shungite is known for its ability to help heal your lower chakras,” she says. “You may hear it called the ‘miracle stone’ or ‘stone of life’ as it’s a catalyst for growth, transformation, and positive change. It mainly focuses its energy on the first or root chakra, giving us a stronger connection to the earth, AKA feeling grounded.” She adds that it is also known to help vanquish negative energies and thoughts, promote mental clarity, increase personal power, and alleviate spiritual imbalances.
How to work with shungite: There are various ways to harness the benefits of the healing crystal. One is to wear it. “Direct or indirect contact with the skin are both safe and recommended,” says McCann. “Wearing shungite as a necklace, bracelet, ring, or keeping it in your purse or pocket is great.” You can also work its EMF-fighting powers: “It’s a great idea to keep shungite in the house and other spaces where electronics are present,” she says, recommending spots like next to your microwave, TV, or computer. Also options? Shungite carpets and shungite bedding. Hey, you do you.
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