Caucasus Shilajit (Mumijo): What It Is, How It Differs, and How to Verify It

What is “Caucasus Shilajit”?

“Shilajit” is the umbrella term for organic–mineral exudates found in high mountains worldwide. In the Caucasus it is known as mumijo. Authoritative sources list the Caucasus Mountains alongside the Himalaya, Altai, and Pamir ranges as natural shilajit localities.^[1]

Composition: What the Lab Work Shows

Across regions, shilajit is a complex mix dominated by humic substances—especially fulvic acids—plus low-molecular metabolites and minerals. Peer-reviewed comparisons of mumijo from different regions show a consistent pattern: (1) a high-molecular fulvic-like fraction and (2) low-molecular metabolites derived from plants, microbes, and animal matter.^[2]

Broader reviews confirm that fulvic/humic fractions dominate shilajit’s organic matter, with secondary components such as dibenzo-α-pyrones, amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals.^[3]

Traditional Use in the Caucasus Sphere

Mumijo has been used in traditional medicine across Russia and the Caucasus for centuries. Historical reviews describe its use in strengthening the body and supporting recovery, though modern evidence for specific clinical effects remains limited.^[4]

Caucasus vs. Himalayan or Altai: Is One “Better”?

Geography alone does not determine potency. Shilajit composition varies from deposit to deposit due to local vegetation, microbial processing, geology, and age. Analytical studies show common structural signatures across regions, with varying ratios.^[2]

What matters most is lab-verified quality—not just where it came from.

Safety: Heavy Metals & Why Testing Matters

Recent reviews warn that raw or poorly processed shilajit can carry heavy metals or microbial contamination. Reputable medical sources advise that all shilajit should be purified and tested before human use.^{[5], [6]}

What to Demand on a COA

Fulvic % by a named method (preferably LAMAR, which isolates true fulvic acid).
ICP-MS heavy metals (with LOD/LOQ) and microbial panels from an ISO/IEC 17025 lab.
Batch/lot match between jar and COA, plus collection/processing notes.

Spotting Marketing Spin Around “Caucasus Shilajit”

“75% fulvic from Caucasus raw resin”: Very high percentages usually come from standardized extracts, not raw resin. Always ask for the method + COA.
“Caucasus = safer”: Safety is testing-dependent, not geography-dependent.
Taste test: Authentic resins are bitter/mineral-rich. Sweetness is a red flag—Bitter is Better.

Buyer Checklist

Where exactly was the Caucasus deposit, and how was it processed?
Fulvic % measured by which method (ideally LAMAR)?
ICP-MS metals + microbial results shown with lab accreditation?
Taste + solubility check: bitter/mineral, dissolves cleanly, no sugary aftertaste.
Marketing claims align with COA numbers + methods?

Check out the Shilajit Info Hub

References

Distribution includes the Caucasus Mountains as a natural locality. Wikipedia – Shilajit
Molecular comparison of mumijo from multiple regions. Analytical Chemistry Study
General composition review: fulvic/humic dominance. PubMed
Traditional/Caucasus usage overview. PMC Review
Heavy metals in shilajit: safety concerns. PubMed Review
Mount Sinai: safety and risks of unprocessed shilajit. Mount Sinai Health Library