Shungite is a mixture of many different minerals that hardened into rock more than two billion years ago.  It is clearly seen on the classical (normal) schungite surface.  When the surface is polished, it looks like it has scratches, stains, or even fingerprints on it.  It is mostly pyrite (light gray) and quartzite (golden), but other elements are also irregularly distributed in the stone.

In the photo you can see the polished surface of classical shungite.  The irregularities are completely natural and are a sign that this is real shungite.

Pyrite and quartzite are often seen as scratches.  The first thought, of course, is that they have been scratched during manufacture or transportation.  This mistake is understandable because the light colour on a black stone is visually deceptive. But a closer look reveals that these are not scratches.

The boundaries between various inclusions naturally have subtle cracks that run in different directions.  Sometimes it involves only a small area, or runs through the entire stone, in the shape of a sphere or a pyramid, for example.  Small depressions with tiny holes can also often be seen in these areas.  Mostly it looks like frozen foam or lava.

In the photo you can see the polished surface of classical shungite.

Depending on whether the surface is polished, brushed or natural, the stains are more or less visible. But all authentic classical (normal) shungite stones have inclusions, and if you look closely, you can see them clearly.

In elite shungite, these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, even if they are present there in small proportions.  However, they are completely blended into the shungite by heat and pressure. These can only be seen when elite shungite is added to the water.  After some time, orange stains usually appear, which are caused by the oxidation processes of the additional elements.

Please don’t try to paint over these areas.  It can result in the polish abrasion on polished stones.  Consequently, the surface loses its lustre.

Our products are inspected for quality during production and before delivery.  If you did receive a product from us that does not meet your expectations, we will be happy to exchange or accept it back.