As the world continues to search for healing cure-alls, the secret lies in a stone.

When it comes to shungite stones, its origins and applications are literally out of this world.

Basic information

Found in the village of Shunga in Russia, its exact origins are unknown, but there are disputes as to how it formed 2,000 years ago. Theories range from meteors bringing shungite crystals to earth to microorganisms in the water near its original deposit giving it the properties we know today.

But outside of the scientific mysteries surrounding its origins, Karelian shungite has been adopted for its medicinal, cosmetic and hygienic applications.

The iconic Muslim physician Avicenna allegedly used shungite rocks to cure the wounds of soldiers in battle. Russian Tsar Peter I demanded shungite purify his soldiers’ drinking water to prevent disease.

Is shungite safe?

Today, even the Journal of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics notes the purifying effects of shungite, such as its ability to replace carbon-activated water purifiers and their catalytic, antioxidant, regenerative properties. It proved shungite is safe and comes with defining benefits.

Karelian shungite benefits

With a rich history and modern research, there is a long list of shungite crystal uses. Benefits range from medicine to wellness to cosmetics, and the list goes on.

The Shungite crystal uses in medicine

Shungite has grown further as a consumer product, including in medicine because of these properties — specifically with its ability to be an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. When infused with water, it has been used to treat ailments from allergies to gastric issues to chronic fatigue.

It is also widely revered for its alleged protection against electromagnetic field emissions, as cited in a 2003 study where it protected rats accordingly.

Anecdotally, shungite is reported to have helped users destress and sleep better when placed in their homes or worn as jewelry. Many view it as a natural balance to negative energy, giving it emotional healing properties outside of its medicinal uses.

The Shungite crystal uses in cosmetology

Shungite’s benefits are seeing more and more applications, especially when it comes to cosmetology and wellness.

Using shungite to create shungite-infused water is the basis for many of these uses. Once they’ve been rinsed to remove dust and residue, some let it sit in a pitcher of water (4 ounces of shungite to 34 ounces of water) for one to three days. Stones can be used for up to six months if they are exposed to sunlight monthly.

The created shungite water is then used to rejuvenate and clean skin. When used to wash your face or body, many see it improve the surface and structure of skin, while also removing redness, inflammation and peeling. Some also see a reduction in fine wrinkles after use.

On a larger scale, people even bathe with shungite. After letting 400-500 grams of shungite sit in a hot bath for 15-20, some users not only experience the aforementioned benefits to skin health, but the infused water clears pores to detoxify your body.

Is shungite expensive?

The main hesitation that prevents people from jumping into using shungite is one question: is shungite expensive? Its price point can be as much as $24 per pound, but these prices are largely inflated internationally as they have to be sourced from Karelia, Russia, the only place shungite can be naturally found. Getting shungite straight from the source may increase its exported price, but ultimately ensures its purity.

But beyond this hurdle, countless users stand by the healing, medicinal and cosmetic benefits of shungite, leading to its increasing popularity around the world.