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Elite Shungite is a rare, silvery mineral which has a 95% carbon content. It is a rock which is extracted from the ground through the process of mining. Elite Shungite can also go by the name of Noble Shungite. It differs in appearance and composition from the more common, Regular Shungite, which does not have a shiny, silvery appearance. Furthermore, Regular Shungite has a lower carbon content than the Elite variety. Shungite is only found in one location on planet earth, a place called Karelia in Russia.
Origins of Elite Shungite
The origins of Elite Shungite are still unclear but there has been much debate surrounding the subject. Many people believe that this mineral arrived on planet earth via a meteorite from outer space. This theory could explain why there are no other rocks throughout the world which have the same type of carbon as Elite Shungite. Furthermore, unlike many other varieties of sedimentary rock, which are often prevalent throughout the world, shungite has only been discovered in one specific location, in the Shunga Vilage, within the North Western region of Russia, close to the border with Finland. There are also other theories regarding the origins of this mineral with scientists claiming that Shungite may well have formed as a result of microorganisms in nearby water. Another possibility is that the composition of organic matter within sedimentary rocks changed over time.
Difference Between Elite Shungite and Regular Shungite
Firstly, the difference between Elite Shungite and Regular Shungite is evident through the way they look. Elite Shungite has a silver and shiny surface which reflects light. By contrast, Regular Shungite has a black, coal-like appearance. With Regular Shungite, Quartzite and Pyrite veins are evident across its surface.
These stones are also different in terms of composition. Regular Shungite is not as fragile as the Elite mineral stone and it can therefore be shaped and moulded easily. As a result of this, Regular Shungite it can be processed and is often made into pendants and jewellery. Regular Shungite is also a lot more common and contains a variety of minerals and chemical elements. By contrast, Elite Shungite cannot be processed and polished so when you purchase this mineral it is in its natural form which makes it incredibly authentic and unique.
Possibly the most significant difference between the two types of Shungite is the Carbon Content. Whereas regular Shungite has a carbon content of up to 60%, Elite Shungite has a Carbon Content of 95%. For this reason, and the fact it is less prevalent than its regular counterpart, Elite Shungite is considered far more valuable, hence why it is more expensive to buy.
Why is it called Elite Shungite?
Although ‘Elite’ Shungite is not its scientific name there are reasons why it has this title. Including the word ‘Elite’ helps to differentiate it from regular Shungite and provides people wanting to purchase the Elite variety with the clarity they require to ensure they acquire the correct product. It is also called Noble Shungite or sometimes; Elite Noble Shungite and this can be attributed to its high, 95% carbon content. Essentially, ‘Elite’ Shungite is a modern term used by companies which now sell the product to its customers.
Elite Shungite Mining
Elite Shungite is extracted from mines in the Karelia region of Russia. The mines themselves will contain rocks which consists of quartz, mica and potassium feldspar. Pyrite is another mineral which can be found in close proximity to Elite Shungite within the mine. When Elite Shungite is extracted from the mine it can sometimes have some evidence of rust upon its surface. This rust is simply iron oxide.
Shungite Deposits within Karelia, Russia
As a result of it being such a sought-after mineral, it is difficult to find areas which have large amounts of Elite Shungite. There are still deposits of Shungite within the Karelia region of North West Russia. Many of these deposits now only have a very limited quantity of Elite Shungite remaining. Furthermore, many of the mines which were used in the extraction of Elite Shungite are now unsafe for operational use. There are still deposits, including theZazhoginskoye deposit in Karelia Russia, which extract regular Shungite. As a result of Elite Shungite’s rarity and its high carbon content it is becoming an increasingly luxury item.
Elite Shungite Products and Uses
Because Elite Shungite cannot be processed and polished, its uses are less extensive than that of Regular Shungite. Regular Shungite is available within a range of products such as pendants, prisms, plates, pebbles, jewellery, and ornaments. You can, however, acquire pendants with Elite Shungite stone and these will feature stone which has not been processed and therefore in its natural format. You can also acquire Elite Shungite Stone Chips.
Elite Shungite History
Shungite was only discovered at the very start of the 20th century. Although regular shungite looks very similar to coal it does not have the same properties in terms of its ability to release large quantities of thermal energy through heating. Research, however, continued into the potential benefits of this newly discovered mineral and this is why both regular shungite and the elite variety are still sought after more than a century after its initial discovery.
Elite Shungite Properties
Elite Shungite is considered by scientists and researchers to be an excellent antioxidant. The role of antioxidants is extremely important as they help to fight something known as free radicals. Within the human body, free radicals are a cause of something oxidative stress. Although free radicals are a natural occurrence within the human body, damage can be caused to healthy cells if the standard balance is disturbed. Elite Shungite has been identified by some experts as an effective mineral when it comes to the purification of water. In more recent times, there has been many suggestions that Shungite stone has the required properties to provide protection against Electric Magnetic Fields (EMF’s). For this reason, Shungite is often placed near Wi-Fi Routers in homes and offices.
