When you hear 'shilajit,' a black, sticky resin comes to mind. This is one of the widely known forms of shilajit, but if you dive deep into its world, then you will uncover more and more interesting facts about it.
The only variant of shilajit that most people are aware of is the blackish-brown shilajit, but did you know there are other shilajit as well, such as white shilajit? Now you must be wondering: how can shilajit be of different colors? And does color actually tell you anything about quality? This post breaks it all down.
The Formation Process of Shilajit
Shilajit is nature's most patient recipe that takes a lot of time to be prepared. It is found in different parts of the world, and the widely known source of shilajit is from the mountains of the Everest region. Shilajit is not a complete mineral, coal, or soil, but it is a decomposed matter.
The plants on the mountains get trapped between the rocks with the microorganisms, and after years of decomposition, it turns into a sticky, tarry matter. It has a deep, earthy taste, along with a strong smell to it.
It has 85+ minerals, plenty of nutrients, fulvic acid, humic substances, amino acids, fatty acids, and more. The composition of shilajit differs according to the different regions. It is affected by the altitude, climate, microbes, surrounding plant life, and more.
Different Variants of Shilajit
Shilajit is a natural supplement that is deeply rooted in several cultures, and people have been using it for centuries. Ayurvedic medicine has been using shilajit, and it holds an essential part in it. Several Ayurvedic texts have mentioned shilajit, explaining the benefits and formation.
It also brings new knowledge to us about shilajit, as most of us are only aware of the blackish-brown color of it, but according to Ayurvedic texts, four variants of shilajit are available:
- Tamra: It is blue in color and rich in copper
- Suvarna: It is red in color and rich in gold
- Rajat: It is white in color and is rich in silver
- Lauha: It is blackish-brown in color and is rich in iron
The lauha shilajit, which is rich in iron, is the one that is commercially available at the current time. The other forms are very rare to be found, and according to Ayurveda, they exist.
The color of shilajit is different because it forms differently depending on the region, the surrounding minerals, and the altitude, the final product doesn't come out looking identical every time. Color is essentially a visual fingerprint of where the shilajit came from and what it absorbed on its way to becoming resin. Also, the color of shilajit depends on its content, meaning if the silver content is high, then it is pale or white, and so on.
Which to Choose
Choosing the right shilajit that is pure, authentic, and well-filtered is really important, as only the right one will benefit you. Make sure you choose third-party tested shilajit and purchase it from the brand that reveals the reports of the test.
Filtration and third-party lab testing are essential because during the formation of shilajit, it picks up heavy metals and toxic contaminants. This makes both of them really important, and a product without them is a red flag.
Purchase shilajit from a brand that is transparent with its customers and allows them to trace the sourcing of their shilajit. Buying shilajit from these types of brands that are transparent with the consumers will make the work for you much easier.
Safety Comes First
Shilajit is a natural supplement, but you need to be careful while consuming it. Sticking to the recommended dose is advised, since taking more than that may not suit everyone's body well.
The recommended dose of shilajit is 0.5 g of equivalent pure shilajit extract per day for an adult. Since limited research exists on how shilajit affects growing bodies, it is recommended that children refrain from its use.
People suffering from active heart disease, kidney issues, liver dysfunction, or on any form of medication should also avoid shilajit or consult a doctor before having it.
In Conclusion
Shilajit is an interesting natural supplement, and you will get new information every time you look it up on the internet. As we know, shilajit gets its color from the process of formation, region, and the content it is high on, but the quality of the final product is mostly based on the filtration process. White, blue, and red shilajit do exist, but they are extremely rare kinds of shilajit and not commercially available. So while buying the available shilajit, make sure that you check the third-party lab report and do not simply buy it based on its color.
FAQs
Why does shilajit come in different colors?
Shilajit can vary in color depending on where it forms, including the region, altitude, climate, surrounding plant life, and mineral composition. Its color reflects its natural formation environment rather than serving as a reliable measure of quality.
What is the real indicator of high-quality shilajit?
Purification, transparent sourcing, and independent laboratory testing are more reliable indicators of quality than color. A trustworthy product should be properly filtered and tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.
What should I check before buying shilajit?
Look for independent laboratory reports, clear sourcing information, proper purification, transparent ingredients, and guidance on serving size. Appearance alone cannot confirm whether shilajit is pure or free from contaminants.
What is the recommended daily dose of shilajit?
Serving recommendations vary according to the product and its concentration. Follow the directions provided on the product label, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you take medication or have an existing health condition.
Reference
Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2012, Article 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142
Pandey, P. S. (2019). Shilajit – A wonder drug of Ayurveda: An overview. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 59(1), 140–143.
Velmurugan, C., Vivek, B., Wilson, E., Bharathi, T., & Sundaram, T. (2012). Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days of repeated administration in rats. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(3), 210–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60043-4
Written By:
Meera Kami is a writer at Everest Shilajit, where she covers natural wellness, herbal traditions, and the science behind them, with a particular interest in how shilajit is studied and used today. Her approach is research-driven, turning evidence, field stories, and brand ideas into clear, source-focused content while still appreciating the cultural history behind these remedies.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
