Shungite Buddha Carving

Shungite Buddha Carving

A beautifully carved shungite Buddha figure featuring a seated meditation pose, detailed textured hair carving, and deep graphite-black colouring with a soft metallic sheen.

This piece combines traditional sculptural styling with the natural appearance of carbon-rich shungite, giving it a distinctive dark finish that subtly reflects light across the carved surfaces.

Like many authentic high-carbon shungite carvings, this piece may leave a natural black residue on the fingers when handled.

Overview

This carving has been shaped from genuine shungite — a rare carbon-rich mineraloid most famously sourced from the Karelia region of Russia.

The seated Buddha design features folded hands, flowing robe detailing, and textured curled hair patterns carved directly into the stone. The soft satin-like sheen visible across the surface is typical of polished shungite with elevated carbon content.

Key Features

Material: Shungite

Composition: Carbon-rich mineraloid

Primary Element: Carbon

Colour: Deep black to graphite grey

Finish: Smooth polished finish with textured detailing

Carving Style: Seated Buddha

Transparency: Opaque

Lustre: Dull to semi-metallic

Texture: Smooth with natural carbon grain

Geological & Scientific Notes

Shungite formed from organic-rich sedimentary material that underwent metamorphism over billions of years. Its unusually high carbon concentration is what gives the material its distinctive black appearance and conductive nature.

�

Authentic shungite commonly contains loose carbon particles, meaning carvings can occasionally transfer a black residue or dust onto fingers or cloth during handling. This is normal and often indicates higher carbon content within the material.

Unlike obsidian, which is volcanic glass, shungite has a softer graphite-like appearance with a more matte metallic sheen under direct lighting.

Why This Piece Stands Out

• Detailed seated Buddha carving

• High-carbon genuine shungite

• Rich graphite-black colouration

• Textured hair and robe detail

• Subtle metallic sheen under light

• Natural carbon residue characteristic of authentic material

Dimensions

98 grams 8cm x 4.5cm

Important Handling Notes

Due to the high carbon content, some black residue may transfer onto fingers during handling. This is completely normal for many genuine shungite carvings and can be wiped away easily.

Clean gently using a dry or slightly damp cloth only and avoid prolonged water exposure.