How was stibnite used as eye makeup in ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, stibnite—the principal ore of antimony—was used as a key component in the preparation of kohl, a black powder applied as eye makeup.12

To create this cosmetic, stibnite was often mixed with fats or oils to achieve a consistency that was easy to apply to the eyelids. Beyond its use for beautification, which included increasing the apparent size of the eye, the substance held significant cultural and religious meaning. Egyptians believed that lining the eyes with kohl invoked the protection of the god Horus, representing his magically restored eye.21

Additionally, the use of kohl served practical purposes, such as protecting the eyes from the sun's glare and acting as a barrier against sand, dust, and dirt. While historically valued for its perceived ability to improve vision and provide therapeutic benefits, modern scientific analysis has identified that components like antimony can be potentially toxic, leading to contemporary health and safety concerns regarding its use.2