Full List of Minerals and Compounds in Shilajit
Shilajit is often described as a “natural mineral pitch”, but chemically it is much more than that. It is a dense, tar-like phytocomplex formed over centuries as plant material and microbes break down inside rock under pressure. The result is a thick resin rich in humic substances, minerals, organic acids, lipids, amino acids and many trace compounds.
Scientists agree on two key points about what is inside Shilajit:
- It is dominated by humic substances (mainly humic and fulvic acids).
- It contains a broad spread of minerals, trace elements and bioactive organic molecules, rather than one single “magic” ingredient.
Because it is a natural substance, the exact composition varies with geography, altitude, surrounding rock and how it is purified. So there is no single fixed “full list”, but we can map the main elements and compounds that turn up consistently in high-quality samples.
Humic and fulvic acids: the core of Shilajit
Most modern analyses show that 60–80% of Shilajit by dry weight consists of humic substances – mainly humic acid and fulvic acid.
Fulvic acid
Fulvic acid is the smaller, more mobile fraction. Several academic reviews report that Shilajit typically contains around 15–20% fulvic acid by weight. These molecules can bind to minerals and other nutrients, helping to transport them across biological membranes, which is why fulvic acid is often described as a natural “carrier” or chelator.
Humic acid and humus
Humic acid molecules are larger and more complex. Alongside other humus components, they act like a structural matrix that binds metals, buffers acidity and stabilises the whole complex.
Together, humic and fulvic acids form the backbone of Shilajit. They hold many of the minerals and smaller organic compounds in a form the body can absorb more easily.
Mineral and trace element profile
On the inorganic side, Shilajit typically contains:
- Major elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and phosphorus.
- Trace elements including zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, molybdenum and manganese.
Older and newer studies describe Shilajit as containing “nearly 85 ionic minerals” or “over 80 trace minerals,” many of which are in ionic form, meaning dissolved and ready for absorption.
Laboratory work and reference sources also report the presence of other elements such as silica, antimony, lithium and, in some samples, small amounts of heavy metals like lead and mercury (more on safety later).
A useful way to think about this: roughly 15–20% of Shilajit is mineral content, with a very wide elemental spread, layered into a humic–fulvic “scaffold”.
Dibenzo-α-pyrones and chromoproteins
Beyond humic substances and minerals, Shilajit contains a distinctive group of bioactive molecules called dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs) and their associated chromoproteins.
These compounds appear to be important for Shilajit’s biological activity:
- DBPs act as mitochondria-targeted antioxidants in experimental models and may help protect cellular energy production under stress.
- DBP chromoproteins (sometimes referred to as DCPs) are complexes where these DBPs are bound to proteins, which may influence their stability and how they are delivered in the body, although this is still being researched.
You will not see these listed on product labels, but they are a key part of Shilajit’s “hidden” organic fraction.
Organic acids, amino acids and nitrogen compounds
A long list of small organic molecules has been identified in Shilajit. Repeated findings across independent studies include:
- Aromatic and organic acids: benzoic acid, hippuric acid, shikimic acid, quinic acid, ellagic acid and various aromatic carboxylic acids and 3,4-benzocoumarins.
- Amino acids and peptides: multiple amino acids and small peptides, including non-protein amino acids, along with broader “albuminoid” (protein-like) materials.
- Other nitrogenous compounds: alkaloids, nitrogen-free compounds and various other nitrogen-containing molecules are also noted in detailed analytical work.
These compounds are typical of slowly degraded plant material and may contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects seen in laboratory models, but translating that into proven human benefit is still very much a work in progress.
Lipids, resins, waxes and carbohydrates
Shilajit also contains a mixed lipid fraction and other carbon-rich materials. Commonly reported components include:
- Fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated).
- Phenolic lipids.
- Triterpenes and sterols.
- Resins, waxes and gums.
- Paraffin-like hydrocarbons.
- Carbohydrates and simple sugars.
These do not make Shilajit a significant calorie or fat source in the diet – the doses used are far too small for that – but they add to its chemical complexity and may affect how other compounds are carried and absorbed.
Anions, vitamins and other minor components
Analytical reviews note inorganic anions such as chloride, sulphur and phosphorus associated with the mineral fraction of Shilajit.
Some commercial and scientific reports also mention:
- Trace levels of certain vitamins or vitamin-like compounds.
- Sugar alcohols and small polyols.
However, these are not consistently quantified across studies, and there is no reliable, standard “vitamin panel” you can apply to every sample of Shilajit.
The honest view: if vitamins are present, they should be seen as small extras, not the reason anyone takes Shilajit.
Heavy metals and safety: the awkward truth
Because Shilajit is mined from rock and soil and then concentrated, it can pick up heavy metals from its environment. Studies and safety alerts have found that some Shilajit samples and supplements contain elevated levels of lead, arsenic, mercury and even thallium.
A 2024–2025 review of metals in Shilajit concluded:
- Many tested samples were within WHO and FDA limits for heavy metals.
- But some samples exceeded those limits, meaning regular use could pose a real health risk.
Regulators have also warned more broadly about unapproved Ayurvedic-style products that contain undeclared heavy metals.
So from a compositional point of view, one of the most important “components” of your Shilajit is not a molecule – it is proper purification and testing. A serious brand should:
- Use controlled purification rather than crude scraping and boiling.
- Provide third-party lab reports (certificates of analysis) covering heavy metals, microbes and other contaminants.
- Be transparent about sourcing and testing batches regularly.
Without that, the same humic matrix that carries useful minerals can also carry things you absolutely do not want.
Pulling it all together
Putting everything together, a typical profile of well-purified Shilajit looks like this:
- 60–80% humic substances, mainly fulvic and humic acid.
- Around 15–20% mineral content, including major minerals and over 80 ionic trace elements.
- Distinctive dibenzo-α-pyrones and their chromoproteins.
- A wide range of organic acids, amino acids, peptides, lipids, resins, waxes, gums, carbohydrates and other nitrogenous compounds.
- Only trace levels of heavy metals in products that are properly purified and tested.
There is no single “hero” ingredient that explains Shilajit on its own. The value – and the risk – comes from the whole complex. If you understand that, you are already ahead of most marketing claims.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shilajit’s Composition
What are the main compounds found in Shilajit?
The core of Shilajit is made up of humic substances, mainly fulvic acid and humic acid. Alongside these, it contains a wide range of minerals and trace elements, dibenzo-α-pyrones and their chromoproteins, amino acids, small organic acids, lipids, resins and waxes.
How many minerals and trace elements does Shilajit contain?
Shilajit is often described as containing more than 80 ionic minerals and trace elements. Commonly reported minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and manganese, along with many others in smaller amounts.
Is fulvic acid the only active ingredient in Shilajit?
No. Fulvic acid is important, but it is not the only active compound. Shilajit’s activity comes from the interaction of humic and fulvic acids, minerals, dibenzo-α-pyrones, organic acids and other small molecules working together as a natural complex.
Does Shilajit contain heavy metals?
Because Shilajit is formed in rock and soil, it can contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead or mercury. In properly purified, lab-tested products these levels are kept within strict safety limits, but poorly processed or adulterated products can exceed them. Always look for brands that publish independent lab reports.
Are all Shilajit products chemically the same?
No. The exact composition varies with the source region, altitude, surrounding rock and purification method. Two products can both be “Shilajit” but differ noticeably in their humic content, mineral profile and levels of unwanted contaminants. This is why sourcing and testing matter as much as the name on the label.
Does processing change the composition of Shilajit?
Good processing aims to remove grit, sand, microbial contamination and excess heavy metals while preserving the natural humic substances and mineral profile. However, harsh processing or over-dilution can damage or dilute the active fractions. Look for gentle water-based purification and minimal added ingredients.