Whenever demand of a specific product goes high, it’s purity is compromised by the dealers to make more profit. The same is in the case of Shilajit. Shilajit; which is also known as mineral pitch, is a sticky substance obtained from Himalayas and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines for centuries. Shilajit is helpful in proper brain functioning, prevents ageing, prevents iron deficient anaemia and has antiviral properties. Also, it is rich in fulvic and humic acids. Its demand has increased multifold in the past decade due to its healing properties for the human body.

 Pure and authentic Shilajit is difficult to obtain. And therefore, it has led to multiple cases where fake or adulterated Shilajit being sold.  Shilajit is beneficial only if consumed in pure form. There are various methods to test its authenticity, some of which are very simple and can be easily done at home from the basic things. Some of them are given below.

Forms

First of all, never buy Shilajit in a powdered form or as a capsule. Both of these forms of Shilajit are adulterated with fillers and binders. Pure Shilajit raisins are sticky, black in color and are tar like.

Pliability test

It is one of the easiest method to check whether the Shilajit is authentic or not. Shilajit is very much responsive to change in temperature; therefore, when outside temperature is high, Shilajit becomes sticky and will stick to the fingers. Also, when the temperature is low, cold Shilajit becomes hard and breaks like a stone. This is because; Shilajit changes its texture in response to change in external temperature.

Solubility test

Another simple way to test the purity of Shilajit. Take a small piece of Shilajit and put it in water. Authentic Shilajit will readily dissolve in water turning it into dark brown or reddish black, without leaving any residue behind. But if the Shilajit is mixed with fillers, there will be sandy residue behind and the water will also taste sandy.

Alcohol test

Pure Shilajit does not dissolve in alcohol. Upon adding Shilajit to alcohol, it will form small clots. Therefore, if the sample of Shilajit dissolves in alcohol, it surely is ladened with additives.

Flame test

To test the purity of solid Shilajit, Flame test is the most reliable. When pure Shilajit is put on fire, it will not burn. But, upon heating at higher temperatures, pure Shilajit will create bubbles and will turn into ash. In case the Shilajit is impure or has impurities, it will catch robust fire.

Color and odor test

Pure Shilajit is mostly dark in color and is very rarely white. It has pungent smell as it is formed as a result of breaking down of plant matter and minerals.