Soil genesis characteristics and the structure of the soil cover in Zaonezhje, Republic of Karelia are considered. The district is noted for wide occurrence of parent rocks bearing shungite schists. The 1 : 200 000 schematic soil map is provided. Specific patterns in the accumulation and distribution along the soil profile of heavy metals of varying genesis were investigated. Correlations were revealed between heavy metal accumulation, organic matter content and particle-size composition of the soil. Radial geochemical barriers were found to exist in the soil profile and their nature was determined. Lateral geochemical barriers were identified using the geomorphological soil profile method. Geochemical conditions for element migrations in soils and soil combinations were described following the soil contours drawn in the Zaonezhje area soil map.