Shungite

Shungite is one of the most scientifically fascinating minerals we carry. It's a black, lustrous, non-crystalline mineral consisting of more than 98% carbon — making it one of the most carbon-rich natural minerals on earth. Named after the Shunga village in Russia where it was first described, Shungite has been used as a folk medicine and water purifier since the early 18th century. Peter the Great was so impressed by its water-purifying properties that he set up Russia's first spa around a Shungite spring — and later ordered it used to purify water for the Russian army. Modern testing has confirmed its anti-bacterial properties. Its color ranges from matte black to a gleaming gunmetal finish depending on the polish, and it's been used as a paint pigment since the mid-1700s under the name "carbon black."