Identifying the original Shilajit is a common concern for those seeking its health benefits. With the rising demand for this potent natural substance, the market is flooded with counterfeit products. Consuming authentic Shilajit is crucial, as impure or fake versions can be ineffective or even harmful.
This guide will help you understand how to check original Shilajit, conduct a Shilajit test, and determine how to know if Shilajit is original before making a purchase. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get a high-quality, natural product that delivers the desired health benefits.
What Is Shilajit and How Is It Formed?
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges, particularly the Himalayas. It forms over centuries as organic matter decomposes and gets compressed under layers of rock.
This natural process enriches Shilajit with essential minerals, fulvic acid, and bioactive compounds that contribute to its health benefits. Due to the slow and complex process of its formation, genuine Shilajit is rare and valuable, making it even more important to distinguish real from fake.
Why Identifying Authentic Shilajit Matters
Consuming original Shilajit ensures you receive its full benefits, such as improved stamina, enhanced cognitive function, and better overall health. Fake or adulterated Shilajit may contain harmful chemicals, fillers, or heavy metals that can lead to side effects instead of offering medicinal value.
Poor-quality Shilajit can also lack essential minerals, reducing its potency and effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to check its purity before consumption.
How to Check Original Shilajit: Key Tests for Authenticity
Here are some simple but effective ways to check the purity of Shilajit:
1. The Water Solubility Test
- Take a small portion of Shilajit and drop it into a glass of warm water
- Authentic Shilajit dissolves completely, turning the water a dark brown or reddish-black colour without leaving residue. The pure Shilajit contains water-soluble minerals and fulvic acid, which mix easily with water.
- Fake Shilajit may not dissolve fully or may leave an oily or chalky substance behind, indicating the presence of fillers or artificial substances, which reduce its effectiveness and purity.
2. The Flame Test
- Place a small piece of Shilajit on a spoon and expose it to direct flame
- Pure Shilajit does not burn; instead, it bubbles and emits a unique earthy aroma. It is composed of organic matter and minerals that do not ignite easily
- If it catches fire and burns like plastic, it is likely adulterated. The presence of synthetic chemicals or impurities may cause it to burn, indicating that it is not real Shilajit.
3. The Alcohol Solubility Test
- Put a small amount of Shilajit in alcohol and stir.
- Authentic Shilajit does not dissolve in alcohol because its bioactive compounds are not alcohol-soluble.
- If it does, it may contain synthetic additives, which may dilute its effectiveness and compromise its medicinal properties. Always avoid Shilajit that dissolves in alcohol, as it is likely to be fake.
4. The Texture and Consistency Test
- Shilajit should have a sticky, tar-like consistency at room temperature. It should be neither too hard nor too watery.
- When cooled, it hardens, becoming brittle, and when warmed, it softens into a thick resin. This temperature-sensitive property is a hallmark of genuine Shilajit.
- If it remains solid like a rock or overly liquid, it may not be genuine. Many fake products are either too rigid or too runny, making them easy to identify through this test.
5. How Does Shilajit Taste?
- Original Shilajit has a strong, bitter, and slightly smoky taste due to its high mineral content.
- If the taste is sweet or mild, it may be mixed with additives or artificial flavours. Since pure Shilajit is a natural resin, it should have an intense, earthy flavour that some may find overwhelming but is a sign of authenticity.
6. The Pliability Test
- Roll a small portion between your fingers.
- Authentic Shilajit is pliable and stretches but does not break like a dry powder.
- Fake versions may crumble easily or feel too smooth, indicating the presence of fillers. Shilajit's natural flexibility makes it easy to test for purity using this simple method.
Which Shilajit Is Best?
When choosing Shilajit, look for the following qualities:
- Himalayan Source: The best Shilajit comes from the Himalayas, known for its rich mineral content. Other regions may also produce Shilajit, but Himalayan Shilajit is considered the purest and most potent.
- Purification Process: Ensure the product is purified without chemicals. Some manufacturers use harsh chemicals that reduce the quality of Shilajit, so always opt for natural purification methods.
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Lab Testing: Look for third-party lab reports to verify purity and safety. Lab-tested Shilajit ensures that the product is free from heavy metals and contaminants.
- Brand Reputation: Buy from reputable brands that provide transparency in sourcing and production. Trusted brands invest in quality control and customer satisfaction, ensuring you get authentic Shilajit.
How to Check the Purity of Shilajit Before Buying
To avoid counterfeit products, follow these steps:
- Check for Certifications: Look for quality certifications and lab test reports. Certifications from health and safety authorities confirm that the Shilajit is pure and safe to consume.
- Read the Label: Ingredients should mention 100% pure Shilajit without additives or fillers. Any additional substances may indicate an impure product.
- Look at Colour & Texture: It should be dark brown or black and sticky, not powdery. Powdered Shilajit is often mixed with fillers and lacks the resinous quality of authentic Shilajit.
- Buy from Trusted Sellers: Avoid unknown brands or sellers that do not provide authenticity proof. Purchasing from reliable sources ensures you get genuine and effective Shilajit.
Does Shilajit Expire?
Unlike many supplements, Shilajit does not expire in the traditional sense. However, its potency can degrade over time if not stored properly. To maintain its effectiveness:
- Store it in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and heat.
- Please keep it away from direct sunlight, as excessive heat can alter its consistency and reduce its beneficial properties.
- Use an airtight container to prevent moisture contamination. Exposure to air and moisture may decrease the product's effectiveness over time.
Suggested read: How to Consume Shilajit for Maximum Health Benefits
Final Takeaway
Understanding how to identify the original Shilajit is essential for ensuring you receive its full health benefits. By performing simple tests such as the water solubility test, flame test, and texture check, you can determine how to know Shilajit is original before making a purchase. Always choose authentic Shilajit from trusted sources to enjoy its numerous health benefits.
Check out My Pahadi Dukan for high-quality, premium Shilajit. Transparency, quality, and authenticity are our top priorities.
FAQs about How To Identify Original Shilajit
1. How to identify the original Shilajit at home?
You can identify the original Shilajit at home using tests like the water solubility test (it dissolves fully in warm water), the flame test (it does not burn), and the pliability test (it softens with heat and hardens when cooled). These simple methods help verify authenticity.
2. How to identify original Shilajit by taste?
Due to its high mineral content, the original Shilajit is bitter, earthy, and slightly smoky. If it has a sweet or mild taste, it is likely mixed with additives and is not pure.
3. How to identify the original Shilajit in powder form?
Shilajit in powder form is often mixed with fillers and lacks authenticity. Pure Shilajit is a resin that is sticky at room temperature, hardens in the cold and softens in warmth. Always prefer resin over powder for the best quality.
4. How to identify the original Shilajit before buying?
Before purchasing, check if the Shilajit is lab-tested, sourced from the Himalayas, and has no added chemicals. Read reviews, check certifications, and conduct home tests like the water test to confirm authenticity.
5. How to identify the original Shilajit in the market?
Authentic Shilajit is dark brown or black, resinous, and dissolves in water but not alcohol. To ensure purity, always buy from reputable brands that provide lab test reports and certifications.
