Shungite (Black Ocher) Pigment
Shungite is an amorphous variety of graphite of intense black color, which outwardly resembles anthracite. Shungite is unique in its composition, structure and properties. It is a natural composite with a homogeneous distribution of crystalline silicate particles in a carbon matrix. The peculiar structure of shungite, characterized by highly dispersed silicate grains in the carbon matrix, determines its numerous practical applications. Shungite has high electric conductivity and considerable mechanical strength.
Origin and History
Shungite was named for the village Shunga near which a massive deposit of organic rich carbon was discovered in the Karelia region of Russia.
Source
It is found only in the Zazhoginskoye deposit near Lake Onega in the Shunga region of Karelia, Russia. As a pigment it exhibits excellent hiding power, and in mixtures with other pigments imparts a deep black tone with a cool tint. In the former Soviet Union, an artist's colors manufacturer made high quality paint under the name of "Shungite Natural Black."
Permanence and Compatibility
Since shungite is carbon it is considered to be among the most permanent pigments in the artist's palette. It can be safely used in all techniques and combines well with all pigments. It is used effectively in all aqueous mediums, such as egg tempera, watercolor and casein.
Oil Absorption and Grinding
Shungite like its cousins, carbon blacks, absorbs a moderate amount of oil during dispersion, speeds up the drying of oil films, and forms a good flexible film. The oil absorption ratio is 100 parts by weight of pigment to 60 parts by weight of linseed oil. If the measurement were grams, umber would require 60 grams (by weight) of linseed oil to grind 100 grams (by weight) of pigment to form a stiff paste.
Toxicity
Shungite is not considered to be toxic but care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment so as not to inhale the dust.
Pigment: Shungite (Karelia, Russia)
| Pigment Information | |
| Color: | Black |
| Colour Index: | Not Listed |
| Chemical Name: | Carbon |
| Chemical Formula: | C60 and C70 |
| CAS No.: | 7782-42-5 |
| ASTM Lightfastness Rating | |
| Acrylic: | Not Rated |
| Oil: | Not Rated |
| Watercolor: | Not Rated |
| Properties | |
| Density: | 1.9–2.1 g/cm3 |
| Hardness: | 3.5–4.0 |
| Refractive Index: | – |
| SKU | 480-10 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rublev Colours |
| Vendor | Rublev Colours |
| Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |
| Color | Black |
| Pigment Type | Inorganic, Natural |
Order Processing
If the Processing Time for items in your order is "Usually ships within 24-48 hours", your order will usually be processed within 48 hours of receipt Monday through Friday. Orders received during weekends and holidays will be processed on the next business (working) day. Orders with longer processing times will be shipped when all items become available.
Shipping Rates
Please add your desired items and the delivery address to your basket to determine the exact shipping costs and options. The table below provides shipping rates for different weights to the countries we ship to.
Carriers
We use the following carriers to deliver orders:
 |  |  |
Below is an approximate guide to shipping costs for locations in Europe. Rates may change without notice.
| COUNTRY | ALPHA-2 | RATES PER PARCELS | CARRIER | |
| 0–10 kg | >10 kg–30 kg | |||
| Austria | AT | 11,50 € | 11,50 € | DPD |
| Belgium | BE | 10,95 € | 10,95 € | DPD |
| Bulgaria | BG | 20,25 € | 30,25 € | FedEx |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | BA | 49,25 € | 49,25 € | DPD |
| Cyprus | CY | 21,80 € | 29,30 € | FedEx |
| Switzerland | CH | 25,85 € | 42,98 € | FedEx |
| Czech Republic | CZ | 12,00 € | 12,00 € | DPD |
| Germany | DE | 5,50 € | 5,50 € | DPD |
| Denmark | DK | 12,00 € | 12,00 € | DPD |
| Spain | ES | 17,48 € | 28,50 € | FedEx |
| Estonia | EE | 21,70 € | 21,70 € | DPD |
| Finland | FI | 17,48 € | 28,50 € | FedEx |
| France | FR | 14,60 € | 14,60 € | DPD |
| United Kingdom | GB | – € | – € | – |
| Greece | GR | 17,48 € | 28,50 € | FedEx |
| Croatia | HR | 29,25 € | 29,25 € | DPD |
| Hungary | HU | 15,90 € | 15,90 € | DPD |
| Ireland | IE | 17,48 € | 28,50 € | FedEx |
| Iceland | IS | 30,70 € | 62,40 € | DHL |
| Italy | IT | 15,90 € | 15,90 € | DPD |
| Liechtenstein | LI | 25,85 € | 43,00 € | FedEx |
| Lithuania | LT | 21,70 € | 21,70 € | DPD |
| Luxembourg | LU | 10,95 € | 10,95 € | DPD |
| Latvia | LV | 21,70 € | 21,70 € | DPD |
| Malta | MT | 21,80 € | 30,25 € | FedEx |
| Monaco | MC | 15,95 € | 24,30 € | FedEx |
| Netherlands | NL | 10,95 € | 10,95 € | DPD |
| Norway | NO | 25,85 € | 43,00 € | FedEx |
| Poland | PL | 14,90 € | 14,90 € | DPD |
| Portugal | PT | 15,50 € | 15,50 € | DPD |
| Romania | RO | 21,80 € | 30,25 € | FedEx |
| Serbia | RS | 49,25 € | 49,25 € | DPD |
| Slovakia | SK | 15,90 € | 15,90 € | DPD |
| Slovenia | SI | 15,90 € | 15,90 € | DPD |
| Sweden | SE | 15,90 € | 15,90 € | DPD |
| Turkey | TR | 27,30 € | 46,20 € | FedEx |
Note: Countries in RED type are not members of the European Union.
Postal Service
Shipping (EU and non-EU countries):
Up to 500 grams Tracked: 6,85 €
Up to 1000 grams Tracked: 10,45 €
Up to 2000 grams Tracked: 20,50 €
Tracking
For tracking details, please log in to your Natural Pigments account.
We track all orders where a tracked delivery service has been selected.
We will update your order with the tracking information if the shipping carrier provides a tracking number. You can locate the tracking number for your order in the shipping confirmation email you receive when your order is shipped. (Look for the email with the subject line "Natural Pigments: Shipment # xxxxxxxxx for Order # xxxxxxxxx.") You can also find the tracking number by signing into your account and visiting My Account Dashboard under Recent Orders.
VAT for Orders within the European Union
VAT is not included in prices unless specified on the website as VAT INCLUSIVE. VAT is calculated for Germany at 19% on both order subtotal and shipping cost and is added to the order grand total.
VAT, Duties, and Tariffs for Orders Outside of the European Union
VAT is not included in prices and totals unless specified on the website as VAT INCLUSIVE. Duties, tariffs, and customs broker fees are not included in the prices and totals on the website. These charges are in addition to what you will pay when ordering. These charges originate in the delivery country, so please contact your local customs for more information.
Shipping Rates
The rate charged for the shipping of your order is based on the weight of your products and your location. Before the final checkout page, you will be shown what the shipping cost will be, and you will have a chance to abandon your order if you decide not to place it.
Shipping Damage
For shipping damage, customers should file a claim with the carrier immediately. Any discrepancy, including wrong or missing items, should be reported to Natural Pigments within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt.
Back Orders
We do not accept backorders for out-of-stock items. If you order an out-of-stock item, we will email you when we expect that product to be available. You will be among the first to receive the item when it becomes available. Natural Pigments will not charge your credit card for out-of-stock items.
