- No regulator or standard defines shilajit grades.
- Classical types (gold, silver, copper, iron) are traditional categories.[1]
- Modern “gold” products may be blends with added ingredients.
- Batch documents are the real quality evidence.
There is no grading standard
Shilajit has no official grading system in UK law, and we are not aware of any industry standard that defines “Grade A” or “premium”. A grade on a label is therefore the seller’s own description. Compare that with what does have defined meaning: GB maximum levels for lead, cadmium and mercury in supplements.[2]
Where “gold” comes from
Classical Ayurvedic texts describe four types named after metals: gold, silver, copper and iron. Iron is described as the most common and gold as the rarest.[1] Modern marketing borrows the word “gold” to suggest rarity, but commercial resin is almost always the dark type classically associated with iron. See the four classical types.
Decoding grade claims
| Term | Usually means | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Gold grade | Marketing tier, or a blend with added ingredients | What exactly is different, and is it on the label? |
| Grade A | The seller’s top tier | Graded against which standard? |
| Premium | A price position | Which documents justify it? |
What to check instead
- Batch COAMetals and microbiology on the batch on sale; see reading a COA.
- Documented origin and processorSee origin documentation.
- Clear ingredientsEspecially for “gold” blends.
Related: what “premium grade” means.
Why grading shilajit would be difficult
A meaningful grade needs an agreed measure that reflects quality. For shilajit, the obvious candidates don’t work well on their own. Fulvic acid percentages depend on the method, colour varies with origin and moisture, and natural composition changes from batch to batch. That’s why no grading standard has emerged, and why marketing grades fill the gap.
What a meaningful quality tier would need
| Criterion | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Batch-specific COA from an accredited laboratory | Shows what is in the product you buy |
| Broad contaminant panel | Metals, microbiology, mycotoxins, pesticides |
| Documented origin and processor | Traceability from source to jar |
| Clear ingredients | No undeclared blends |
These are the kinds of checks behind our brand transparency index.
Grade claims and fair marketing
UK advertising rules require marketing to be truthful and not misleading, and health claims must be authorised.[3] A grade the seller invented isn’t automatically misleading, but presenting it as if it were an independent or official standard could be. If a product page implies “Grade A” is a certified level, ask who certified it. See what sellers can claim and how to report a misleading claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is gold grade shilajit?
A marketing term with no standard definition. It may describe a seller’s top tier or a blend with added ingredients.
Is Grade A shilajit better?
There is no grading standard, so “Grade A” has no defined meaning. Compare batch laboratory reports.
Does premium shilajit cost more for a reason?
Sometimes, if it reflects broader testing or documented sourcing. Ask what the premium pays for.
Is gold shilajit the classical sauvarna type?
Very unlikely. Classical gold shilajit is described as rare, and modern “gold” products are usually marketing tiers or blends.[1]
Are shilajit grades regulated in the UK?
No. UK rules regulate safety, labelling and claims, not grades.
How do I compare quality?
Use the brand transparency checklist.
Who decides if shilajit is “Grade A”?
The seller. There is no independent body that grades shilajit, so ask what the grade means and which documents support it.
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.
- 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]
- European Commission (UK version on legislation.gov.uk). Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. legislation.gov.uk, 2008. View source (opens in a new tab) [UK legislation (retained)]
- Committee of Advertising Practice. UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising (CAP Code), Section 15: Food, food supplements and associated health or nutritional claims. asa.org.uk. View source (opens in a new tab) [Advertising code]