The first time I saw a Himalayan salt lamp, I thought it was the coolest thing ever, based solely on how it looked. It wasn't until years later that I learned just how awesome Himalayan salt lamps really are.
They'll improve your mental clarity, cleanse the air in your room and help you get better sleep, among many other things.
Unfortunately, those benefits – along with the lamps' rising popularity – make Himalayan salt lamps a prime target for counterfeiters.
Protect yourself and your wallet by learning what to keep an eye out for.
Once a genuine Himalayan salt lamp exceeds about 20 pounds, it'll no longer emit light in a uniform pattern. That's just the nature of genuine Himalayan salt.
If you've got a big honkin' lamp that seems to light up your entire bedroom, that's a good sign it's made of something other than real salt.
Genuine Himalayan salt manufacturers recommend that their products be placed in a cool, dry area. That's because the salt will absorb any moisture around it and begin to shrink.
You can test your lamp by taking a damp cloth and gently rubbing the lamp. The part of the cloth you've rubbed should have noticeable discoloration and the lamp should look like it's "weeping."
If those two things don't happen? It's time to dig up that receipt.
5 Signs Your Himalayan Salt Lamp Is Fake
#1 – It's White And Cost Next To Nothing
White Himalayan salt is harder to come across than the pink variety. As such, genuine white Himalayan salt lamps (like this one) tend to cost several times as much. Expect to pay upwards of $50 online. What do you get for that price jump? Well, in addition to rarity, white Himalayan salt lamps are also the preferred variety for detoxification and healing.#2 – It's Super Heavy... Yet It Emits Light Well
Once a genuine Himalayan salt lamp exceeds about 20 pounds, it'll no longer emit light in a uniform pattern. That's just the nature of genuine Himalayan salt.
If you've got a big honkin' lamp that seems to light up your entire bedroom, that's a good sign it's made of something other than real salt.
#3 – It's Indestructible
Himalayan salt lamps – especially the white variety – tend to be fragile. So if you've dropped yours, or the shipping box has arrived with significant signs of damage, yet the lamp itself still looks good as new, it's probably not 100% genuine.#4 – The Lamp Handles Moisture Well
Genuine Himalayan salt manufacturers recommend that their products be placed in a cool, dry area. That's because the salt will absorb any moisture around it and begin to shrink.
You can test your lamp by taking a damp cloth and gently rubbing the lamp. The part of the cloth you've rubbed should have noticeable discoloration and the lamp should look like it's "weeping."
If those two things don't happen? It's time to dig up that receipt.
#5 – Nothing Changes
All of your life's problems are not going to be solved by a Himalayan salt lamp. But after a couple weeks of using one in your home, you should notice a few things, including:- Reduced allergy or asthma symptoms
- Increased energy levels
- Better sleep
- Improved depression
- Reduced stress
