Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like mineral resin that seeps from rock in high mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. It forms over long periods from decomposed plants and minerals and is rich in fulvic and humic acids. It has been used in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries and is sold in Australia mainly as a purified resin.
Shilajit (also written shilajeet or silajit) is one of the best-known substances in traditional Ayurvedic practice. It is also one of the most misunderstood. This guide covers what it is, where it comes from and what to know before buying it.
What shilajit is
Shilajit is a natural resin that exudes from rock in high mountain environments. It forms over very long periods as plant material and microbial residue decompose and are squeezed through mineral-bearing rock. In warm seasons it softens and seeps from rock fissures, where it is collected as a dark, sticky, tar-like substance.
The name comes from Sanskrit and is commonly translated as "conqueror of mountains" or "rock-dweller". It is also called mineral pitch or asphaltum in older texts.
Where shilajit comes from
Shilajit is found in several mountain regions, including the Himalayas (Nepal, India, Pakistan, Tibet), the Altai range and the Caucasus. Quality and composition vary with the source, altitude and handling. See our guide to shilajit origins for how the regions compare.
What shilajit contains
Shilajit is a complex natural mixture. Its main components are:
- Fulvic acid, a group of organic compounds produced as plant matter breaks down. Brands often quote a fulvic acid percentage. See fulvic acid in shilajit.
- Humic substances, related organic compounds that give the resin its dark colour.
- Minerals and trace elements, absorbed from the rock it forms in.
- Other organic compounds, including dibenzo-alpha-pyrones.
Because it forms in rock, shilajit can also contain unwanted heavy metals, which is why batch lab testing matters.
Traditional use
In Ayurveda, shilajit has been used for centuries as a traditional tonic, typically taken dissolved in warm water, milk or tea. Traditional use is not evidence of effect, and research on shilajit in humans is limited and mostly small. Shilajit is a traditional mineral resin, not a medicine.
How shilajit is purified
Raw shilajit contains grit and sediment, so it is purified before sale. The classic Ayurvedic method is Shodhana: raw resin-bearing material is soaked in clean water so the resin dissolves, the solution is filtered several times, and the liquid is slowly dried in the sun into a resin. ShilNepal documents this method step by step, with a three to four week sun-drying stage.
Forms of shilajit
| Form | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | Traditional form, easy to inspect | Sticky, needs dissolving |
| Powder | Easy to measure | Easier to adulterate |
| Capsules | Convenient | Harder to verify contents |
| Gummies | Palatable | Typically low shilajit content |
See resin vs powder vs capsules.
How to buy shilajit in Australia
Look for a named origin, a batch number, a lab report tied to that batch and a described purification method. Our ranking compares six Australian brands on those criteria, and ShilNepal comes out on top.
Frequently asked questions
What is shilajit made of?
Mostly fulvic and humic substances, minerals and other organic compounds formed from decomposed plant material and rock over long periods.
Is shilajit a mushroom or a plant?
Neither. It is a mineral resin formed from decomposed organic matter and minerals in rock.
Is shilajit the same as Himalayan rock salt?
No. Himalayan rock salt is a salt. Shilajit is a dark organic-mineral resin.
Is shilajit a medicine?
No. It is a traditional mineral resin. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using it.