Fake Shilajit vs Original – Simple Tests to Verify your Shilajit Quality

Shilajit is an excellent addition to your daily regimen, offering remarkable health benefits such as enhanced brain function, anti-aging effects, increased strength and endurance, and iron deficiency combat. Its popularity has soared recently due to these beneficial properties. However, with this rise in demand comes the risk of encountering fake shilajit or impure products. Understanding the grading of Shilajit is crucial, as its quality varies worldwide. 

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit resin forms over years from geothermal pressure on mineral and plant biomass, a completely natural process that yields nothing artificial. This process produces a tar-like substance that glistens in rocks, particularly in the Himalayas during the warm season. 

The rock patterns vary globally, which determines the grading system. The blackish resin that results from purifying the exudate from the rocks aids in grade differentiation. Thus, it's evident that not all Shilajit is pure, and quality can significantly differ across various regions.

Shilajit Grades:

 Gold Grade (Red and Gold Rock) 

• Obtained from red and gold rocks. This is the highest grade of Shilajit
• Primary use: Utilised in RASAYANA therapy focusing on rejuvenation

This particular grade is renowned for its superior healing properties. Harvested from the highest Himalayan altitudes of 16,000 to 18,000 feet, it is purified following age-old Tibetan traditions. 

The rugged and isolated Skardu region of Gilgit-Baltistan is home to Authentic Shilajit, celebrated for its production of entirely pure resin. Its purification process is entirely natural, utilizing only spring water and sunlight. 

Skardu's Shilajit is acclaimed for its exceptional quality, providing a wealth of benefits that can enhance one's lifestyle. The gold grade of Shilajit stands at the apex, endowed with legendary attributes that Ayurveda practitioners value highly in supporting their patients' overall health and wellness. The efficacy of this grade is backed by centuries of use and trials.

Iron Grade (Black Rock – Nepal and Buthan) 

• Derived from black rocks, mainly found in Nepal and Bhutan
• Primary use: Targeted for imbalances of the Meda Dhatu, related to the fat or adipose tissue system

Silver Grade (Grey Rock)

• Originates from grey rocks 
• Primary use: Applied for imbalances of the Maja Dhatu, associated with the bone marrow and nervous system

Copper Grade (Brown Rock) 

• Sourced from brown rocks
• Primary Use: addressing imbalances related to the liver function

Fifth Grade (Useless Substance - Animal Faeces)

• This is a low quality form, often misrepresented or sold fraudulently. It is mainly made from animal faeces
• This grade is useless and don’t provide any beneficial properties of genuine Shilajit

Identifying Original or Pure Shilajit

The colour of the rocks indicates the Shilajit's grade, with gold grade linked to red and gold rocks. Yet, the purification process yields a uniformly black resin, making it difficult the grade by colour alone. 

Counterfeit Shilajit is commonly sold as liquid tinctures or powders, and more recently, fake resin forms have emerged. Counterfeiters use various methods, such as synthesizing fulvic acid—an essential component of Shilajit—from fertilizers, coal, and charcoal. Some brands mix inert substances and occasionally herbs to mimic genuine Shilajit.

Shilajit should never be purchased in powdered form or as a capsule

Authentic Shilajit raisin is sticky, black, and tar-like

Here are few simple test to identify pure and authentic Shilajit

Solubility Test: Authentic Shilajit dissolves effectively in water, resulting in a dark brown or reddish-black colour. Pure quality Shilajit should leave no residue behind, whereas counterfeit products may leave a sandy residue.

Alcohol Solubility Test: Pure Shilajit is not soluble in alcohol. If a sample dissolves, it probably has additives mixed in.

Temperature Test: Shilajit reacts to temperature fluctuations. It becomes tacky and sticks to your fingers when heated. Conversely, it hardens and can fracture like a rock when cooled.

Flame Test: Pure Shilajit does not ignite but instead bubbles and turns to ash when subjected to high temperatures. In contrast, counterfeit or impure Shilajit may easily catch fire. 

Colour and Odour Test: Pure Shilajit is typically dark in color, occasionally white, and emits a strong smell due to the decomposition of plant matter and minerals.

An increasing demand for Shilajit must not lead to a compromise in its authenticity. Consumers can reap the full benefits of this ancient substance by recognizing the signs of counterfeit Shilajit and selecting reputable sources. It's essential to value the authenticity and unlock the full potential of Shilajit for our health and well-being.

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