Thank you Kathleen for your generous review. I just want to share the information we discussed in our email exchanges - that I know this is an issue for some, the shedding of the shungite on skin and fur. In order to keep the shungite untreated by chemicals, there are some raw edges that sometimes shed black powder. I haven't figured out why it happens with some pieces and not with others, despite rinsing. I guess it's just the nature of shungite, being soft and dark. I appreciate your sharing the info with others! If I ever find a way to prevent this, I will definitely share it!