Raquirite (Shungite) Specimen - 23g - Bolivar, Santander Dept, Colombia

A rare and scientifically significant Raquirite (Shungite) specimen weighing 23g, collected from Bolivar, Santander Department, Colombia — an exceptional locality piece for the serious mineral collector.

What is Raquirite?
Raquirite is the Colombian trade name for a naturally occurring carbonaceous mineral material closely related to, or classified as, Shungite — a rare Precambrian carbon-rich mineraloid found in only a handful of locations worldwide. The name derives from the Raquira region of Colombia, where deposits have been identified. Colombian Shungite/Raquirite is considered a rare and geologically distinct occurrence compared to the more widely known Russian deposits of Karelia, making locality specimens from Santander Department particularly sought after by collectors.

Geology: Shungite is a non-crystalline carbon mineraloid (amorphous carbon) with a composition that can exceed 98% carbon in its purest form (Elite or Type I Shungite). It is believed to have formed from ancient organic matter — possibly algae or other marine organisms — subjected to geological transformation over billions of years. Shungite is notable for containing naturally occurring fullerenes (C₆₀ and C₇₀ molecules), a discovery that contributed to the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The primary commercial source is the Zazhoginskoye deposit in Karelia, Russia; Colombian occurrences are rare and less documented, adding to their collector value.

Physical Properties:

• Composition: Amorphous carbon (with silicate minerals)
• Lustre: Submetallic
• Colour: Black to dark grey
• Streak: Black
• Hardness: 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale
• Specific gravity: 2.09–2.84 (varies by grade)
• Electrically conductive (higher carbon grades)

In crystal healing traditions, Shungite is associated with powerful protective and purifying energy — widely used for EMF protection, water purification, grounding, and energetic shielding. Its ancient origins and unique carbon structure make it one of the most scientifically intriguing minerals in the crystal world.

• Mineral: Raquirite (Shungite)
• Locality: Bolivar, Santander Department, Colombia
• Weight: 23g
• Dimensions: Approx. 48 x 25 x 23mm
• Form: Natural specimen
• Use: Mineral collecting, display, crystal healing, EMF protection, gifting

A one-of-a-kind locality specimen. As a natural mineral, exact form, surface texture, and appearance are unique to this piece.