Is Your Shilajit Real? 6 Simple Checks Before You Buy

Shilajit has gone from little-known mountain resin to social media favourite in a few short years. And whenever something gets popular fast, low-quality and fake versions follow. So how do you know if the shilajit you're looking at is the real deal?

Here are six simple checks. One honest caveat first: home checks are a rough guide, not proof. The only way to really know what's in a product is lab testing – which is why check number six matters most.

1. The temperature test

Real shilajit resin reacts to temperature. Pop it in the fridge and it should go firm and almost brittle. Hold a small piece in your fingers and it should slowly soften and become sticky and stretchy. If it stays the same consistency whether it's cold or warm, be cautious.

2. The warm water test

Drop a pea-sized amount into a cup of warm (not boiling) water and stir. Genuine purified shilajit should dissolve fairly completely, turning the water a golden-brown, tea-like colour, with very little gritty residue left at the bottom.

3. The smell

Pure shilajit has a strong, earthy, slightly smoky smell – a bit like damp soil or smoky tea. A sweet, perfumed or chemical smell suggests something has been added.

4. The ingredients list

For a pure shilajit resin, the ingredients list should be short – ideally just purified shilajit. Liquid shilajit drops are different: they often include water, glycerin and sometimes herbal extracts, so read the label to know exactly what you're getting.

5. The price

Purifying shilajit properly takes time and effort. If a product is dramatically cheaper than everything else on the market, ask yourself why.

6. Ask for the lab report

This is the big one. Because shilajit comes from rock, it can naturally carry heavy metals. A reputable brand should be able to provide independent lab results showing heavy metal levels (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium) and microbial testing. Don't be shy about asking – good brands are happy to share.

The bottom line

The texture, water and smell checks are fun and can help you spot obvious fakes, but they can't tell you about purity or contaminants. Look for a brand that's transparent about where its shilajit comes from and how it's tested.

NaturaLabs shilajit resin is purified and third-party lab tested, with the report available on request. Have a look at naturalabs.com.au.

This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. NaturaLabs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and follow the directions for use, and speak with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement – especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or take medication.