how to check purity of shilajit - #38914
I am really confused and could use some help. I just purchased shilajit from an online vendor, but I'm worried about its quality. I’ve read a lot about shilajit being a powerful health supplement, but I hear so many stories about fake or low-quality products out there. Like, my friend said he got some that just looked like tar, while someone else said theirs cracked like a rock? That got me wondering, how to check purity of shilajit? Last week, I did a little test where I mixed some with water, and the stuff just sunk to the bottom without breaking apart. Shouldn't it dissolve better if it’s pure? I also found a video suggesting a fire test, but I'm scared I'll mess something up. I mean, has anyone here done this? Also saw some folks say it should have a strong aroma – mine smells kinda bland. Does that mean it’s low quality? Just feeling nervous because I want to make sure I’m not wasting money and can actually benefit from shilajit! Any tips on how to check purity of shilajit without overcomplicating it? Do I need any special equipment or just my common sense? Help please!!
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Doctors' responses
Determining the purity of shilajit is essential to ensure it’s genuine and benefitial for your health. It’s understandable to feel cautious about the quality, especially with numerous counterfeit products out there. You’ve already done one test—mixing it with water. Ideally, pure shilajit should dissolve well in warm water, forming a uniform mixture. If it just sinks and doesn’t integrate even slightly, there could be an issue with its authenticity or quality.
Now, regarding the smell, authentic shilajit often has a strong earthy or mineral-like aroma due to its natural organic compounds and mineral content. If yours is lacking in smell or completely odorless, it might be diluted or mixed with other substances. Some variations in aroma can occur though due to geographic sourcing, so it’s not the single definitive answer.
The fire test you mentioned is another common method. When you hold a small piece over a flame, genuine shilajit should not burn like wood or plastic; it should only melt or bubble a bit, and it might leave ash which is naturally occurring minerals. Just ensure you’re doing this carefully, use tweezers or tongs, to avoid any direct contact with the flame.
Another approach is the taste test. Pure shilajit has a bitter, smoky flavor, and often leaves a resinous consistency on the tongue. If it’s too sweet or has artificial flavors, it may not be pure.
You don’t need special equipment for most tests, your common sense is indeed helpful. Just be mindful of these signs, and if you have significant doubts, consider consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or sourcing your supplement from a well-reputed Ayurvedic pharmacy, where quality control is more stringent.
It’s always wise to be cautious with supplements to ensure you’re receiving their full benefits without unwanted additives. If certain tests are failed or if any uncertainty remains, it’s better to seek an alternative source to maintain optimal health safely.

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