Shungite formed approximately 2 billion years ago during the Paleoproterozoic Era in what is now the Karelia region of northwestern Russia. This rare carbon mineral originated from organic-rich sediments deposited in ancient shallow seas, subsequently subjected to intense heat and pressure during geological metamorphism.
The mineral's distinctive composition—up to 98% carbon—developed through the compression and alteration of primordial organic matter, possibly including early microbial life forms. Its unique molecular structure contains naturally occurring fullerenes, spherical carbon molecules that give Shungite its remarkable properties.
Shungite forms in three Grades:
Grade 1 (Elite) - 95%+ carbon content
Grade 2 - 40-60% Carbon content
Grade 3 - 10-20% Carbon content
This ancient carbon formation represents one of Earth's earliest concentrated carbon deposits, predating most known organic mineral formations by billions of years.
