Shilajit’s rise in popularity has opened the door for counterfeits and diluted products. Many brands make bold potency claims (“75% fulvic acid!”) that crumble under independent testing. Fake Shilajit isn’t just ineffective—it can be dangerous, carrying heavy metals, industrial fillers, and microbial contamination. Use this guide to run a fast but thorough authenticity check before you buy.
1) Check for a Batch-Matched COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Why it matters: A real COA is your #1 safeguard. It proves what’s in the jar has been tested for potency and contaminants.
- Accredited third-party lab (ISO/IEC 17025 preferred)
- Batch/lot number on the COA matches your jar
- Lists fulvic acid %, heavy metals, and microbial results
- Uses recognized, named methods
COA Tip: Reused or undated PDFs are not proof. If the batch number doesn’t match your jar, the COA doesn’t apply.
Real-world example: A brand claiming 75% fulvic acid tested at just over 6% on an independent, batch-specific COA.
FAQ: What should a proper COA include?
Accredited third-party lab, batch/lot matching your jar, fulvic %, heavy metals (Pb/As/Cd/Hg), microbial panel (TPC/yeast/mold/pathogens), named methods, recent date.
2) Be Skeptical of Extreme Fulvic Claims
Natural Shilajit rarely exceeds ~15–25% fulvic acid. Claims of 40–75% without standardized method details are almost always marketing fiction.
FAQ: Is 75% fulvic acid realistic for Shilajit?
No. Treat >30% claims as “proof required.” Ask for method, accreditation, and a batch-matched COA.
3) Inspect the Label for Transparency
- Legit brands: Harvest region + method, batch or lot number, clear serving instructions
- Red flags: Vague “pure Himalayan” claims, no batch ID, no sourcing detail
FAQ: What label details should I see?
Region of harvest, purification method, batch/lot ID, and clear serving info. If missing, ask for documentation before buying.
4) Warm Water Dissolution Test (At Home)
- Place a small amount in warm water
- Authentic: dissolves fully, minimal residue
- Likely fake/cut: gritty particles, oil slicks, strange colors
FAQ: Do at-home tests prove authenticity?
No. They’re secondary checks only. Science wins: rely on a third-party, batch-matched COA.
5) Smell for Chemical or Solvent Odors
Real Shilajit has an earthy, tar-like scent. If it smells like gasoline, solvents, or perfume—it’s likely contaminated or adulterated.
6) Watch for Unnatural Textures or Shine
Shilajit should be smooth and pliable at room temperature. Crystalline shine, waxy films, or separated layers suggest additives.
7) Research the Brand’s Testing & Sourcing
- Search the brand with terms like “COA,” “lab test,” “heavy metals”
- Look for batch-specific reports posted publicly
- If you can’t find independent proof, choose a different brand
Downloadable aid: Vet Shilajit in 60 Seconds — Buyer Checklist (PDF)
Cross-Links for Deeper Reading
The 7 Biggest Myths About Himalayan Shilajit • Why American-Sourced Fulvic Acid Outshines Himalayan Shilajit • The Untold Truth About Himalayan Shilajit Harvesting • The Environmental Footprint of Himalayan Shilajit Extraction
The American Grit Guarantee
- Tested: Every batch COA is public
- Pure: No fillers, no synthetics, clean metals & microbe screens
- Transparent: U.S. deposits, water extraction + fermentation
Series Navigation: Ancient Remedy or Modern Marketing? • Journey of Shilajit • Untold Truth About Harvesting • Why American Fulvic Outshines Shilajit • Shilajit vs. American Fulvic • Spot Fake/Adulterated Shilajit • Environmental Footprint • 7 Myths