1. Appearance & Texture

• Color: Genuine shilajit is usually dark brown to black. Some high-quality varieties are slightly golden-brown when dissolved in water.

• Texture: It is sticky and resin-like at room temperature but becomes brittle when cold.

• Purity: It should not have visible impurities, stones, or dust. Pure shilajit looks glossy and smooth when warmed.

2. Solubility Test

• Take a small piece of shilajit and put it in warm water or milk.

• Real shilajit dissolves completely without leaving residue.

• Fake shilajit often leaves fibers or residues because it may contain additives or fillers.

3. Taste Test

• Authentic shilajit has a bitter and slightly earthy taste, sometimes with a smoky undertone.

• Sweet, sour, or chemical-like tastes are usually a sign of adulteration.

4. Smell Test

• Real shilajit has a strong earthy smell.

• If it smells like chemicals, glue, or nothing at all, it could be fake.

5. Finger Test (Stickiness)

• Rub a small amount between your fingers. Real shilajit is sticky and melts with body heat.

• If it crumbles too easily, it may be poor quality.

6. Ash Test (Optional)

• Heat a small amount on a spoon. Real shilajit leaves very little ash, which is white to gray.

• Fake shilajit may burn completely or leave unnatural colored residue.

7. Lab Testing (Most Reliable)

• Check for fulvic acid content: High-quality shilajit has 50–60% fulvic acid.

• Heavy metals: Pure shilajit should be free of lead, mercury, arsenic, etc.

• Lab-tested products with certificates are the safest way to ensure authenticity.

8. Origin & Brand

• Himalayan shilajit (from Nepal, India, Bhutan) is often considered top quality.

• Buy from trusted and certified brands, preferably with lab reports.