A few weeks ago I had never heard of shungite. Now, thanks to a Russian supplier, I have some in my secret laboratory. This black carbon mineraloid has a high reputation among the people who take a mystical approach to crystals and minerals. With its odd physical properties and unusual origin, surely it has a mighty mojo. Well I'm incapable of operating that way, although I certainly appreciate it, but shungite is interesting stuff just as an industrial mineral, which is how the Russians use it. Learn more in my new article "What Is Shungite?," and see a nice closeup in the Mineraloids Gallery. Shungite — Geology Guide photo