Iranian and German archaeologists have discovered a 3,000-year-old kohl in Iran, containing no traces of organics like those in Egypt, but showing traces of graphite and manganese oxide. This unprecedented formula, which was far ahead of its time, gave the eyes a shiny, metallic luster. [1366×768]

This historic discovery was made in June by a team of Iranian and German archaeologists in the heart of Iran’s Zagros Mountains, sponsored by the University of Tübingen and the ICHTO (Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization).

Early analyses were carried out by the Iranians at the Shiraz University, and the Germans played a major research role with scientific analysis. The kohl is currently kept by the ICHTO.

More info and images:

[https://archaeologymag.com/2025/06/2700-year-old-kohl-from-iran-ancient-eye-makeup/](https://archaeologymag.com/2025/06/2700-year-old-kohl-from-iran-ancient-eye-makeup/)

[https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/unique-iron-age-kohl-from-iran-differs-from-that-of-ancient-egypt/4021844.article](https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/unique-iron-age-kohl-from-iran-differs-from-that-of-ancient-egypt/4021844.article)

[https://phys.org/news/2025-07-iron-age-kohl-iran-kani.html](https://phys.org/news/2025-07-iron-age-kohl-iran-kani.html)

[https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/11/makeup-iran-earliest-use-graphite-kohl/](https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/11/makeup-iran-earliest-use-graphite-kohl/)

[https://www.anatolianarchaeology.net/3000-year-old-lead-free-eyeliner-discovered-in-iran-reveals-ancient-cosmetic-innovation/#google_vignette](https://www.anatolianarchaeology.net/3000-year-old-lead-free-eyeliner-discovered-in-iran-reveals-ancient-cosmetic-innovation/#google_vignette)

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