Before placing shungite in water, rinse it well under running water until the water runs clear. This matters because fine particles and dust from mining and packing may remain on the surface of the mineral. It is not a step to skip: without rinsing, the water in the container may turn cloudy or dark.
After rinsing, the shungite is placed at the bottom of a jug, glass jar or other suitable container and covered with water. No additional devices or consumables are needed.
As for replacement, the mineral's adsorption properties decrease over time as its surface gradually becomes saturated with the impurities it has retained. The manufacturer recommends replacing the mineral after 2–3 months of regular use. You should also go by changes in the taste or clarity of the water: if they have worsened compared with when you started, it is a sign to replace it. With regular use, it is recommended to renew the mineral in good time, without waiting for results to deteriorate noticeably.
Unused shungite is best stored in a dry place away from strong odours – the mineral is porous and can absorb them.