The authenticity of Shungite on the market is a significant issue, and unfortunately, a substantial portion of the products labeled as 'Shungite' are either fake or low-quality. Based on industry observations and reports from trusted suppliers, it is estimated that as much as 70-80% of Shungite on the market is fake or mislabeled.
This guide will help you distinguish real Shungite from fakes so you can avoid getting scammed.
Common Fake Shungite Types
1. Raquirite - The 'Colombian Shungite' Scam
One of the biggest frauds in the Shungite market today is Raquirite, a mineral from Colombia being falsely advertised as 'Colombian Shungite'.
What is Raquirite?
Raquirite is a carbon-containing mineral found in Colombia, but it does not share the unique characteristics of true Shungite. Unlike genuine Type I Elite Shungite, which contains a high percentage of pure carbon and naturally occurring fullerenes, Raquirite lacks independent verification of these properties. Sellers of Raquirite often claim it has 93-99% carbon content, yet no laboratory analysis supports this claim in the way true Shungite has been tested and verified for decades.
Why Is It Being Marketed as 'Colombian Shungite'?
The name 'Shungite' carries significant recognition among those who value its potential benefits, leading some sellers to rebrand Raquirite as 'Colombian Shungite' to capitalize on this demand. However, Shungite is a geologically specific mineral, meaning it originates solely from Karelia, Russia. Any material claiming to be from another location is inherently misleading.
Key Differences Between Shungite and Raquirite
| Feature | True Shungite (Karelia, Russia) | Raquirite ('Colombian Shungite') |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Karelia, Russia | Colombia |
| Carbon Content | 98-99% (Type I) | Questionable, unverified claims of 93-99% |
| Fullerenes | Naturally occurring | No confirmed fullerenes |
| Scientific Recognition | Extensively studied for decades | No peer-reviewed studies |
| Electrical Conductivity | Highly conductive | Unknown, likely non-conductive |
| Transparency | Proven composition through spectral analysis | Lacks independent verification |
2. 'Jet' - The Wooden Impostor
Another misleading stone being passed off as Shungite is Jet, a lightweight black mineral that is not even a rock—it’s derived from wood!
Why Jet is NOT Shungite:
- Jet is not a rock—it’s fossilized wood! No wonder it’s so lightweight.
- It has no electrical conductivity. True Shungite is conductive; Jet is an insulator.
- Some sellers are mixing Jet with other materials to make it look more like Shungite.
- One buyer paid $280 for a block of wood, believing it to be Shungite!
Common scams include:
- Coal labeled as Shungite – I saw a vendor on Etsy selling “Shungite” for $4. Their video literally showed them grabbing chunks of coal and calling it Shungite!
- Plastic imitations from China – Some 'Shungite' sold on Amazon is literally plastic, as confirmed by customers who have cut into the pieces.
- Painted stones – Some vendors take regular black rocks, coat them in a glossy black finish, and pass them off as Shungite.
How to Spot Real Shungite
If you’re looking for authentic Shungite, here are the essential tests and precautions you should take:
1. Verify the Source
- Only buy Shungite from Karelia, Russia. Any other origin (Colombia, India, China, etc.) is a red flag.
- Check for seller transparency. If a seller cannot provide sourcing details, avoid them.
2. Test for Electrical Conductivity
- Type I (Elite) and Type II Shungite are conductive. Use a multimeter to check resistance—real Shungite conducts electricity.
- If it’s non-conductive, it’s fake. (Note: Type III Shungite has lower conductivity, but still more than most fakes.)
3. Request Lab Certification
- Genuine Shungite has been analyzed for fullerenes. Ask for a spectral analysis from an independent lab.
- Beware of vague 'lab reports' that don’t include actual test results.
4. Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
- Authentic Shungite is rare and valuable. If the price is extremely low, it’s likely fake.
- Compare with reputable sellers. A $4 chunk of 'Shungite' is almost certainly a scam.
