7 Tips to Spot Real vs. Fake Shilajit in Dubai’s Market



As Shilajit becomes an increasingly powerful health supplement, the real and fake versions are flooding the markets of Dubai. Being natural in essence, it is described as "the destroyer of weakness," being full of fulvic acid, minerals, and antioxidants. Shilajit that comes from the mountainous regions, originally Himalaya, has been used for ages in Ayurvedic medicine. However, due to high demand and short supply, it will be provided with fake versions in the market. Here are eight must-know tips that will ensure you buy the genuine Shilajit and not some chemical counterpart. 

Understand the Origin of Shilajit

Authentic Shilajit is derived from mountain ranges at high altitudes, mostly the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus. Such territories are favorable to creating Shilajit over centuries, as it is developed from the compression of decomposed plant and microbial material between rocks.

Why it matters

While buying Shilajit in Dubai, you might like to see the specifications of that Shilajit about its origin. The actual Shilajit from such mountainous regions will be darker, more mineral-rich, and potent. Products that fail to provide specific information of origin or argue that they are from outside such regions would be synthetic or thin.

Tips for Buyers

Look for the packaging and branding with detailed origin information. Don't buy if it does not mention "from this mountain range" and if the source is suspicious.

Inspect the Color and Texture of Shilajit

Authentic Shilajit

Pure shilajit is normally a very rich, dark brown or blackish resin, softening on warming to a little extent. In its cold condition, it must be viscous and thick, pasty like tar, softer when warmed.

Fake Shilajit 

It looks too shiny and powdery or light-colored. This may be because there are additives in it that copy real Shilajit.

Buyer’s Test

To check genuinity, warm a small portion by your hands. Genuine Shilajit will soften quickly and might feel a bit sticky to the touch. Fake Shilajit will feel too powdery or even sticky, with no actual change in texture.

The Solubility Test for Purity

True Shilajit is nearly completely soluble in warm water, which creates a dark brown liquid. Solubility is probably the simplest procedure to identify whether the product has added substances or fillers.

How to perform the test

Take a small pea-sized amount of Shilajit and put it in warm water. Stir and observe. True Shilajit dissolves without leaving behind colorless or powdery residues. Natural sediment due to light remains, but white or murky excess residue is a red flag.

Quick Tip for Buyers

This quick test can be performed at home and will soon tell you if your Shilajit is pure or has just been mixed with some artificial fillers.

Taste and Smell

Authentic Shilajit has an earthy, bitter taste and tar-like or smoky odor. The intensity of the flavor can vary but must "feel natural" as an expression of the organic minerals and compounds in it.".

What Fake Shilajit Tastes Like

This fake Shilajit is odorless, has a neutral taste, and is even sweet, indicating the presence of fillers or sugar.

Practical buying tip

Ask to sample a small amount if buying Shilajit in person. Any reputed store will accommodate this, and tasting a little bit of Shilajit will make it possible for the authenticity to be verified on the spot.

Evaluate the packaging and Branding

Quality Shilajit brands invest in well-designed packaging that includes complete information regarding the product, including the benefits, ingredients, and usage instructions. Such  care in presentation often signals that there is a commitment towards quality.

Red Flags

• Blank or bare generic packaging with little description 
• Misleadingly labeled, for example, as "herbal tar" or "mineral resin," which contains no Shilajit.
• Poorly printed labels and seals that appear tampered with or counterfeit

What to Do

Search the brand online. Look for reviews, testimonials, and specific information on the products. Legitimate brands are usually open about their product line, so they would normally have an excellent online presence, where consumers have also shared feedback.

Watch the Price Tag: A Key Indicator

Real Shilajit is costly, as it is a rare product and requires intensive extraction. When you find a Shilajit that is way cheaper than what the market price is, then it may be fake or diluted.

Price Test

Pure Shilajit varies in price depending on the region, but it is rarely a "steal" of an item. If the price is significantly lower than usual, it might be full of fillers or cheap imitations.

Pro Tip for the Buyer

Find out what the going rate is in Dubai so you know if something is suspiciously low in price.

The Fire Test: A Simple Purity Test

Pure Shilajit will not catch fire when exposed to an open flame. Rather, it may bubble a little and give off a tar-like aroma without catching fire. This is because of its mineral-rich content. This mineral content does not facilitate combustion easily.

How to Do it Safely

Take one tiny piece and let it near the lighter. Real Shilajit will not be easily ignited. Fake Shilajit, in a few cases, contains chemicals and burns or emits some stinky smell.

Key Points to Note

Fire is dangerous, and there should be caution not to inhale its smoke. The best way to note this is by doing it in a well-ventilated area.

Conclusion: The Path to Authentic Shilajit in Dubai

To buy Shilajit in the market of Dubai, you have to be careful because the increased demand has resulted in the influx of counterfeits. Using these eight tips will help you avoid counterfeits and ensure you're buying a product that brings its well-documented health benefits. Remember, origin, texture, solubility, taste, and purity are key indicators and take time to verify each one but ensure you're spending your money on the highest quality Shilajit available.

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