How to Spot Authentic Shilajit
I am from Namche Bazaar, dai-bahini, where elders know this resin by feel and story. Now I import the resin to Australia, and many good people ask me simply: how do I know this is the real thing? I write this with caring hands and plain words, the way my grandmother would show you in the sun.
What real Himalayan shilajit looks and feels like
Real shilajit is not a slick industrial paste. It is thick, tar-like but soft at room temperature. When you warm a little between finger and thumb it becomes sticky and smooth. If it is powdery, crumbly, or sugary-looking, be careful.
Look for these simple signs:
- Colour: deep brown to almost black, with a natural shine when fresh.
- Texture: resinous and slightly elastic, not dry dust.
- Smell: earthy, a bit like wet mountain soil and herbs, not chemical or perfumed.
how to spot authentic shilajit - simple checks you can do at home
Here are easy tests you can do without fancy lab tools:
- Solubility test - real resin dissolves mostly in warm water forming a dark tea. If much residue stays as white or colored grit, that suggests fillers.
- Burn test - a tiny bit on a spoon will char and smell earthy. If it melts into a clear oily drop or leaves bright ash, that is suspicious.
- Heat test - real shilajit softens with warmth and becomes stretchable. If it becomes powder or brittle, it may be mixed with sugars or minerals.

Lab tests and certificates - when to ask for proof
For many families I meet in Australia, a small home test is enough. But if you want firm proof, ask the seller for third-party testing - especially for fulvic acid content and heavy metals. Good suppliers will show heavy metal tests and authenticity reports without fuss.
I stand by the resin I bring from Nepal and I invite you to check the report when you ask. If you like, you can read more about our story at https://shilnepal.com - it is a little piece of my village and how we prepare the resin.
Packaging, price, and common red flags
Price can be a guide but not the whole story. Very cheap tubs often mean mixed or synthetic product. Also look for:
- Vague ingredient lists or no origin stated.
- Plastic-smelling or perfumed products.
- Large jars with tiny amounts of resin hidden by fillers.
One honest way to buy is from a trusted importer who shares where and how the resin was collected and purified. If you want to try a trusted small batch, our product with clear sourcing is here: https://shilnepal.com/products/nepalese-shilajit-resin-30g-tin?variant=46755763159261
How to use real shilajit safely
A little goes far. Start with a grain-of-rice amount in warm water or milk, once a day. Listen to your body and speak to a health practitioner if you have specific conditions or take medications.
Store resin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep its natural aroma and strength.
FAQ
Q: How quickly can I learn how to spot authentic shilajit?
A: In one careful look and touch you will notice many signs - colour, texture, smell. Combine home checks with a seller's test reports for full confidence.
Q: Does shilajit dissolve completely in water?
A: Real resin dissolves well in warm water, leaving little residue. If you see sandy or white bits, that may be filler.
Q: Are lab tests necessary to know authenticity?
A: For daily use you can rely on texture and trusted sourcing. For long-term or medical use, ask for fulvic acid content and heavy metal testing - honest sellers will provide them.