Shilajit is one of nature's most mysterious and powerful treasures. Used for millennia in Ayurveda, this natural mineral resin is prized for its exceptional richness in fulvic acids, trace elements, and rare organic compounds. Yet, as its popularity grows, several concerns arise: Is shilajit contaminated with heavy metals ? How can you distinguish genuine shilajit from the many counterfeits or synthetic products flooding the market? Finally, how do you choose the right shilajit ? What are the real selection criteria ?
In this in-depth article, we will explore:
- the possible origin of heavy metals in shilajit,
- the natural purification methods used to ensure its safety,
-
microbiological risks associated with poorly treated resin,
- the signs that allow you to identify imitations , adulterated products or synthetic resins,
- finally, why Shamballa shilajit stands out as a benchmark of authenticity , purity and transparency.
What is shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural resin , formed by the slow decomposition of plant matter, trapped in mountain cracks, often between 3000 and 5000 meters above sea level. Under pressure, heat and time, this material transforms into a viscous, black or dark brown substance, rich in:
- fulvic and humic acids,
- ionic minerals,
- natural antioxidants,
- and other bioactive compounds.
It is traditionally used as a rasayana (overall tonic) in Eastern medicines. But its geological nature also makes it sensitive to environmental contaminants .
Shilajit comes in several forms: capsules, powders, liquid extracts... but pure resin remains the most authentic, concentrated, and best-absorbed form. Unlike processed derivatives, which are often diluted or mixed with other substances, the resin retains all of its active compounds , such as fulvic and humic acids. It is this raw, directly extracted and purified version that best reflects the natural power of shilajit.
Why Shilajit May Contain Heavy Metals
The earth is naturally rich in minerals. But some areas are also loaded with toxic elements such as:
- lead (Pb),
- cadmium (Cd),
- arsenic (As),
- or mercury (Hg).
These metals can contaminate shilajit at several stages:
- during its natural formation (via rocks and geological layers),
- at the time of harvest (if the site is close to mining or polluting activity),
- or during processing (via unsuitable utensils or containers).
Poor quality shilajit may therefore exceed regulatory safety limits, making it potentially harmful to health.
What are the risks of heavy metals?
Heavy metals are not easily eliminated by the body. Repeated exposure, even at low doses, can lead to:
- neurological disorders,
- kidney or liver damage,
- hormonal imbalances,
- or effects on cognitive development in children.
This is why European authorities have defined strict maximum limits for these elements in food supplements (EC regulations no. 1881/2006 and 2023/915).
A good shilajit should not only be below these thresholds, but ideally as far as possible within the certified results of laboratory analyses.
Natural methods of purification with shilajit
Some brands use chemical processes to “clean” shilajit. These methods, while quick, can leave solvent residue or denature the natural components.
Conversely, traditional and natural methods, such as those used by Shamballa, are more respectful of the integrity of the product.
Effective natural methods:
🔹 Decantation with pure water
Raw shilajit is mixed with spring water, which dissolves its active fractions. After standing, heavy impurities (sand, metal particles, organic debris) sink to the bottom and are removed.
🔹 Filtration on fabric or cotton
This fine filtration then removes solid particles without adding chemicals. For Shamballa, we use Ayurvedic cloths and plant-based membranes, with 40 to 60 filtration stages (passes). Filtration can be facilitated with zeolite or natural activated carbon. These minerals have the ability to selectively capture certain heavy metals without absorbing the beneficial minerals in shilajit.
🔹 Dry at low temperature or in the sun
A crucial step to preserve heat-sensitive compounds such as fulvic acids. Gentle evaporation produces a clean resin, without resorting to chemical solvents or rapid fire drying, which degrade the shilajit. Humidity is an essential criterion for assessing the quality and stability of shilajit. At Shamballa, the resin is carefully purified and dehydrated until it reaches an optimal humidity level of 5% . This low level preserves the active compounds while ensuring excellent preservation , without microbial growth or deterioration. Unlike resins that are too humid, often unstable or diluted, Shamballa shilajit offers maximum concentration, a dense texture and enhanced effectiveness , a guarantee of purity and rigor in the manufacturing process.
🧪 Result : pure shilajit, free from chemical residues and compliant with health standards.
Microbiological risk in raw shilajit
In addition to heavy metals, another potential hazard is rarely mentioned: microbiological contamination .
Like any natural product from the soil, shilajit may contain:
- total aerobic bacteria,
- molds and yeasts,
- and potentially pathogenic germs such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Clostridium.
This risk is even higher if the shilajit is:
- poorly stored or stored for a long time
- exposed to heat or humidity,
- exposed to microbes, viruses and fungi,
- harvested in unsanitary conditions,
- or processed without strict hygiene measures.
👉 Quality shilajit must be microbiologically stable and safe. This is why laboratory testing is essential.
What tests are essential for safe shilajit?
Quality shilajit cannot be judged solely on its appearance or taste. Independent laboratory analyses are the only objective guarantee.
Here are the essential tests:
Shilajit SHAMBALLA: purity, transparency, excellence
Shamballa shilajit was born from a simple commitment: to offer a natural, safe, authentic product, without compromising on quality.
Why Shamballa stands out:
Controlled origin:
Harvested at high altitude, at 4500m, in an area far from any industrial activity, Shamballa shilajit comes from protected natural sites.
100% natural purification:
No chemical solvents are used, no additives are used, and no destructive processes are used. Purification follows traditional Ayurvedic principles: spring water, decantation, filtration, and gentle drying.
Analyses in accredited laboratories:
Each batch is tested by Eurofins or Phytocontrol, recognized independent laboratories. The analyses systematically include:
- heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, As),
- microbiological parameters (in accordance with the strictest standards).
These analyses are doubled: firstly on site, before shipping, then secondly in France, at our request, to guarantee you are consuming an authentic and healthy product.
Glass packaging
Zero plastic. Shilajit is stored in a brown glass container to maintain its stability without chemical migration.
Total transparency:
All certificates of analysis are available in our "certificates" section.
How to recognize a good shilajit?
Here are some simple criteria to avoid making mistakes:
Beware of counterfeit, synthetic, or misleading shilajit
With the rise of shilajit in international markets, the growing demand has unfortunately encouraged the emergence of fraudulent, synthetic or completely counterfeit products.
Some sources of shilajit, particularly from China or Russia , raise questions about their authenticity and purity . In these regions, the lack of transparency about extraction and purification methods, as well as the absence of rigorous controls, opens the door to cut, synthetic or contaminated products. It is not uncommon to find resins manufactured artificially or mixed with thickening agents, mimicking the texture of real shilajit without offering its benefits. This reinforces the importance of favoring traceable, tested and certified sources.
Many products presented today as shilajit are in reality mixtures containing at best honey, so-called medicinal plants or other more or less natural extracts, often fillers. Although these combinations may seem attractive, they often fall under the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 , which strictly regulates novel foods not significantly consumed before 1997 in the European Union. In the absence of specific authorization from the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), these products are illegal for sale on the European market. It is therefore essential to remain vigilant against these non-compliant formulations, which offer neither the guarantee of safety nor the efficacy of pure shilajit.
🎭 Products sometimes without any shilajit
Some “shilajit” sold at low prices (especially online, without traceability) do not contain any real shilajit, but industrial mixtures:
- of colorants,
- of synthetic resins,
- thickening or stabilizing agents (such as PEG),
- or even petroleum by-products.
One of the most well-known cases is the use of ozokerite , also known as "mineral wax" or "earth wax." This black substance, derived from crude oil residue, is sometimes melted, colored, and fraudulently presented as shilajit. It mimics the texture and color... but has no nutritional or therapeutic value, and may contain toxic hydrocarbons .
⚗️ The case of synthetic shilajit
Some manufacturers go further and produce "synthetic" shilajit in the laboratory, attempting to reproduce the structure of fulvic acids from industrial compounds.
Although these products may contain minerals or humus extracts, they are neither natural, nor traditional, nor recognized by pharmacopoeias.
🚨 How to protect yourself from counterfeits?
Here are some tips to avoid fake or dangerous shilajit:
💡 Real shilajit, like that offered by Shamballa, is always sourced from specific natural areas , purified without solvents, laboratory tested, and carefully packaged.
Naturally purified, to be consumed with confidence
Shilajit is a marvel of nature—but like any raw product, it requires skill, respect, and transparency to safely unlock its potential.
Purification should not be at the expense of authenticity . It should aim to eliminate impurities without removing the benefits.
👉 This is exactly the philosophy adopted by Shamballa:
- strictly selected for its traceability and high quality,
- sourced directly from the producer, without intermediaries,
- developed in the purest ancient Ayurvedic tradition,
- purified naturally and slowly so as not to denature,
- sold in its most authentic resinous form,
- tested according to rigorous protocols and compliant with EU standards,
- presented clearly, without excessive promises or unauthorized claims.
🔬 Want to know more? Discover the complete product sheet and analysis reports at: https://www.shamballa-shilajit.com/pages/certificat-analyse-shamballa-shilajit
