By Hemant Sharma Shilajit, often called the “Destroyer of Weakness” in Ayurveda, is a naturally occurring resin found in the Himalayan mountains. Rich in minerals, fulvic acid, and antioxidants, Shilajit is valued for boosting energy, improving immunity, enhancing stamina, and supporting overall health. However, due to its increasing demand, the market is flooded with fake or adulterated Shilajit, which may be ineffective or even harmful. Knowing how to identify original Shilajit is crucial for health-conscious individuals.
Understand What Original Shilajit Looks Like
- Texture: Genuine Shilajit is sticky and resinous in texture. At room temperature, it is soft and slightly malleable.
- Color: It usually appears dark brown to black. The color may slightly vary depending on the region of extraction.
- Consistency: Original Shilajit becomes hard in cold temperatures and soft or slightly gooey in warm temperatures.
- Smell: Has a strong earthy aroma, which is natural and characteristic of its mineral-rich origin.
Fake Shilajit often comes in too shiny, overly soft, or powdery forms with little to no natural smell.
Solubility Test
One of the simplest home tests for authenticity:
- Take a small amount of Shilajit (around 100 mg).
- Dissolve it in warm water or milk.
- Original Shilajit dissolves completely, leaving no residue.
- Fake Shilajit may form clumps, leave powder, or not dissolve fully due to adulterants like resin, wax, or sugar.
Taste Test
- Genuine Shilajit has a bitter, slightly smoky taste.
- It is not sweet or overly palatable.
- Powdered or artificially prepared Shilajit may taste neutral or slightly sweet due to fillers.
Burn Test
- Take a tiny piece and burn it cautiously.
- Original Shilajit releases a smoky smell and leaves minimal ash, indicating it is organic and mineral-based.
- Fake Shilajit may melt or produce a plastic-like odor, indicating chemical adulteration.
Appearance of Resin in Pure Form
- When placed on a white plate or glass, original Shilajit appears dark, glossy, and semi-translucent under light.
- Fake versions often have a chalky, opaque, or uneven texture.
- High-quality Shilajit may have tiny natural veins or mineral granules, reflecting its Himalayan origin.
Water Interaction Test
- Add a small amount of Shilajit to cold water.
- Original Shilajit sinks gradually, indicating its high mineral density.
- Fake Shilajit may float or dissolve unevenly, signaling low mineral content or adulteration.
Packaging and Source Verification
- Buy from trusted brands or authorized Ayurvedic stores.
- Original Shilajit should have proper labeling, including:
- Batch number
- Date of manufacture and expiry
- FSSAI certification (if applicable)
- Avoid extremely cheap Shilajit sold online, as high-quality Shilajit from the Himalayas is rare and expensive.
Quick Comparison: Original vs Fake Shilajit
| Feature | Original Shilajit | Fake Shilajit |
| Texture | Sticky, resinous | Powdery, brittle, or overly soft |
| Color | Dark brown to black | Too black, dull, or artificial shine |
| Smell | Earthy, natural | Odorless or chemical-like |
| Taste | Bitter, slightly smoky | Sweet or neutral |
| Solubility | Dissolves completely in warm water/milk | Forms clumps, incomplete dissolution |
| Burn Test | Smoky smell, minimal ash | Melts or plastic smell |
Final Thoughts
Identifying original Shilajit requires attention to color, texture, smell, taste, solubility, and burn characteristics. Using fake or adulterated Shilajit can be ineffective or harmful, so always purchase from reputable sources and verify authenticity before consumption. Genuine Shilajit is not just a supplement; it is a centuries-old Ayurvedic treasure that supports health, energy, and longevity.