The simple version
Think of shilajit as three things together: decomposed plant matter turned into humic substances, minerals picked up from the rock, and smaller compounds made by plants and microbes along the way.[2] For the technical detail, see composition and chemistry.
The main parts
| Part | What it is | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Fulvic acid | The water-soluble part of the humic material | Fulvic acid |
| Other humic substances | Humic acid and humin, the larger humic molecules | Humic substances |
| Minerals | Elements from the rock, wanted and unwanted | Minerals |
| DBPs | Small aromatic compounds | DBPs |
| Others | Proteins, amino acids, lipids, phenolics | Other compounds |
Why no two samples are identical
Every deposit forms from different plants, microbes and rock, and processing changes the result further. A 2025 study measuring thallium found different levels across samples and products, for example.[3] See why composition varies.
What this means when you buy
- Check contaminants, not just fulvic acidThe mineral part includes toxic metals.
- Use the batch reportComposition is specific to a batch.
- Ignore mineral counts“84 minerals” says nothing about amounts; see the claim checked.
How shilajit composition is tested
| Question | Typical test | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| How much fulvic acid? | Humic fractionation methods | Fulvic acid testing |
| Which elements, at what levels? | ICP-MS or ICP-OES | ICP-MS explained |
| Which specific compounds? | Chromatography (HPLC) | Lab methods |
| Is it genuine shilajit? | Identity and adulterant testing | Identity testing |
Common composition myths
| Myth | What’s accurate |
|---|---|
| “Contains 84 minerals” | Element counts include toxic metals and say nothing about amounts |
| “Higher fulvic acid is always better” | Percentages depend on method; no evidence links higher figures to better outcomes |
| “Darker means stronger” | Colour varies with origin and moisture |
| “Gold shilajit contains gold” | Classical types are traditional categories[4] |
What a composition-aware buyer looks for
A practical approach is to separate two questions. First, is it safe and genuine? That is answered by the contaminant panel and identity information on the batch report. Second, what is it like? That is answered by composition figures, such as fulvic acid, which are useful context when the method is named. Products that publish both, for the same batch or clearly dated, make that easy; see laboratory testing and the COA checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is shilajit made of?
Is shilajit natural?
Yes, it is a natural organic-mineral material. Natural doesn’t automatically mean safe; see why natural isn’t always safe.
What is the main ingredient in shilajit?
Humic material, especially fulvic acid, makes up the largest share of its organic content.
Does shilajit contain heavy metals?
It can, because it forms in contact with rock. Batch testing shows the levels.[3]
Is all shilajit the same?
No. Composition varies with origin and processing.
Where can I see the composition of a product?
In its batch laboratory report; see how to read a COA.
What is the most important thing to check about shilajit composition?
Contaminant results for the batch you are buying. Composition figures are useful context, but safety comes first.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Keller JL, Housh TJ, Hill EC, Smith CM, Schmidt RJ, Johnson GO. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 16:3, 2019. doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2; PMID 30728074. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Agarwal SP, et al.. Shilajit: a review. Phytotherapy Research 21(5):401–405, 2007. doi:10.1002/ptr.2100; PMID 17295385. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]
- Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine. BMC Chemistry 19:20, 2025. doi:10.1186/s13065-025-01384-7. View source (opens in a new tab) [Laboratory analysis]
- Quazi et al.. Shilajit review: "A powerful molecule of Ayurveda science". Pharmacognosy Research 15(3):455, 2023. View source (opens in a new tab) [Review]