‘Shungite water’ is widely shared, but shungite can contain heavy metals. Here is why ZenGems advises against soaking the stone in water you drink.
Soaking shungite in a jug of water and drinking it is a fairly popular trend. The story is often linked to the spa founded by Tsar Peter the Great in Karelia. But before you try it, there are a few important things to know.
In 1719, Peter the Great signed a decree founding Marcial Waters — Russia's first mineral-water spa, in Karelia. Its water is known for being rich in iron (the name “Marcial” comes from Mars, the god associated with iron). Linking this spa to the effects of shungite is mostly a story passed down over time.
Shungite is indeed used as an industrial filter material, and a 2017 study showed that carbon from shungite can adsorb some radioactive compounds in water. But that is processed material in a controlled filtration system — completely different from dropping a decorative stone into a jug of water.
If you need clean water, use a certified water filter.
Shungite is fairly soft and scratches easily compared with gemstones. A few simple habits keep pyramids, spheres and pendants looking beautiful for years.
Shungite is a carbon-rich rock formed about 2 billion years ago in Karelia, Russia. This article sums up its origin, composition and what to know before you buy.
In 1992, scientists first recorded natural fullerenes in a shungite sample. What does that discovery mean, and why shouldn't it be overstated?
Use shungite for display and gifts, or wear it as jewelry.
To clean it, simply wipe it dry or rinse it quickly in clean water and dry it — see the care guide.
Keep it out of reach of small children and never put fragments in your mouth or swallow them.