Shungite, originally coined in 1879, referred to a black, lustrous mineraloid with more than 98% carbon. In recent times, the term has expanded to include a metamorphosed Precambrian algal-derived oil shale or sapropelite containing more than 5% carbon. These two forms of shungite are primarily found in the Karelia region of Russia. Shungite with over 98% carbon, also known as Elite Noble shungite, makes up less than 1% of the shungite bounty, standing out with its remarkably shiny and smooth surface, deviating from the usual rough texture observed in other shungite.
