How to test Shilajit for authenticity

Shilajit is among the very few sunstances that can be tested for authenticity at home. Thanks to its distinct characteristics and well-known reactions to external stimuli, distinguishing genuine Shilajit from the rest is easy. Centuries ago when laboratory tests didn’t exist, experts used these methods to determine the value of Shilajit. While laboratory tests aim to identify the substance and test it for heavy metals and other contaminants, they only paint a partial picture of the product.

WHY SHOULD YOU TEST SHILAJIT

In US market, only a fraction of products being marketed as Shilajit is real Shilajit. Shilajis is sold in various forms such as powder, capsule and liquid drops. While these forms are advertised as "easier to consume" and "travel-friendly", these often contain fillers, low-grade Shilajit or similar looking substance. It is not possible to test Shilajit in these forms.

Even if Shilajit is in resin form, some of the products are manufactured in laboratories and do not contain enough amount of real Shilajit. And if you ever heard of animal feces found in Shilajit, you heard it right.

WHY DOES SHILAJIT GET MEDDLED WITH SO MUCH

Shilajit is one of the rarest substances in the world, and is more valuable than some of the gemstones. In countries where Himalayan Shilajit is harvested (such as India and Pakistan), it is very hard to find potent Shilajit products in market because most of the real Shilajit is exported by merchants to countries where high value of the product can be obtained.

Shilajit holds substantial value in Ayurveda which has caused its demand to increase in last few decades as the world turns to alternative medicine more than ever. With increasing demand and limited supply, it is not a surprise that the market is flooded with counterfeit products.

BUT THERE'S SOMETHING YOU CAN DO

You can test your Shilajit resin at home within minutes. These tests are only applicable to Shilajit products that are in resin form.

 1. Burn Test

Shilajit does not catch fire and will not burn. Heat Shilajit with a mini blow torch, it will bubble and produce ash but it will not burn.

2. Temperature Test

Shilajit gets very hard when exposed to colder temperatures and becomes gooey in warmth. Place your Shilajit jar in refrigerator for about fifteen minutes then try scooping some out - hardened Shilajit will not stick to your finger upon touching it. When placed in refrigerator overnight or in freezer, Shilajit will become solid like a rock and will shatter like glass when met with external force.

 3. Solubility Test

Shilajit dissolves in water without leaving any residue, making it clear, golden liquid

4. Form Test

Pure Shilajit has consistent form and does not contain clumps. If you add drops of warm water to it and leave it for some time, water will dissolve evenly. It will make Shilajit less thicker, but holding same characteristics and qualities nonetheless.

We at The Whole Reason are committed to providing valuable information so buyers can make informed decision in a marketplace that is flooded with misinformation and baseless claims. The Whole Reason™ Shilajit is sourced directly from the supplier that harvests what they sell. We do not compromise quality of our products for any reason, for we believe that trust of our customers is the ultimate badge worth carrying.