So, you’ve ordered some shilajit resin, and it’s hard, well the good news is that real shilajit does tend to do that, so that’s one sign you’ve got something decent and not horribly diluted, this is a common issue with Shilajit resin unfortunately.
If it hasn’t dried out high-quality shilajit resin typically has a sticky, tar-like consistency at room temperature it shouldn’t be runnier than that.
But, of course if you’re reading this article your shilajit resin has gone too hard, and when this happens it can be difficult to impossible to portion and it’s also not uncommon for it to get stuck to the sides of jars, especially if there’s a bit of space in them making it even more awkward to get at the shilajit. Fortunately, that’s easily dealt with.
A Quick Aside About Pure Shilajit Resin
Now, that doesn’t mean because your shilajit resin isn’t hard that there’s anything wrong with it, but if it’s still runny after being in the fridge you’ve probably bought something that isn’t very good. As if it’s on the softer side, it normally means that it’s either watered down or that there’s the presence of other organic compounds beyond the minerals, and fulvic or humic acids we’re typically looking for.
It’s worth noting that shilajit should still be dark brown or black and have a glossy sheen.
How To Tell If Shilajit Has Gone Too Hard
Well, this is really a question for if you can accurately get a proper dose without destroying the included spoon or your cutlery, assuming you can scrape off a pea sized amount you’re good as it will still dissolve in water so you can take it.
Remember during warmer months shilajit should be kept in the fridge, so it being a bit harder to get at is fine. It’s not a massive issue if you wet it a bit more to make portioning easier from the fridge, but you still want it to be “sticky”.
3 Steps To Fix Hard Shilajit
Step 1: Put the jar in warm water to soften it up. Obviously don’t submerge it completely, so that it doesn’t leak. Warm water, not hot.
Step 2: The shilajit should’ve softened somewhat. Now, most shilahit, including ours comes with a measuring spoon. It’s a lot smaller than a tea spoon. Use that to add a few drops of water and stir it in if you can. Typically, 5-10 drops should be enough to do the trick.
Step 3: Stir, and don’t add too much water as remember it should go firmer when it softens and you don’t want to dilute it too much. Now everything should be good. That’s it. Of course, if your shilajit is still a bit to hard then repeat as needed.
What if My Shilajit is Super Hard And Doesn’t Soften Under Warm Water?
You’ve bought a rock, just kidding, in this case you’re going to need to add 5-10 drops of water about ¼ of a teaspoon, seal the jar tight and leave it overnight. Then you should be able to do the 3 steps above as needed.
Why Is My Shilajit Hard?
So, there’s a few factors that can effect the hardness of shilajit resin:
Mineral Content: Shilajit contains a complex mixture of minerals, including fulvic acid, humic acid, and various trace minerals. These minerals contribute to the density and hardness of the resin, giving it a solid consistency.
Humidity and Temperature: The formation of shilajit resin is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. In the harsh mountainous environments where shilajit forms, extreme temperature fluctuations and low humidity levels contribute to the dehydration and solidification of the resin over time.
Pressure and Compression: The geological processes involved in the formation of shilajit resin, such as tectonic activity and rock compression, exert pressure on the organic matter trapped within the rock layers. This pressure helps compact the organic material, leading to the formation of dense and hardened resin.
Time and Decomposition: Shilajit resin is the result of centuries-long processes of microbial activity, decomposition, and organic matter transformation. Over time, the organic compounds undergo biochemical reactions and polymerization, leading to the formation of a solid resinous substance.
Extraction and Collection: Shilajit resin is typically collected from rock formations or crevices where it has oozed out over time. In its natural state, shilajit can be quite hard and sticky, requiring careful extraction techniques to collect it without altering its composition.