For thousands of years, humankind has searched the depths of the earth for nature's treasures, those that combine utility and beauty. Among these rare treasures stands out as antimony stone , a natural mineral that has captivated ancient civilizations, from the Pharaohs to the Arabs and Persians. Antimony stone is not just an ordinary stone; it is the raw material from which the finest types of natural kohl are produced, renowned for their therapeutic and cosmetic benefits throughout the ages.
Today, we take you on a journey to discover this unique stone, from its nature and places of extraction, to how it is transformed into pure kohl, and finally to how to ensure its authenticity and quality.
What is natural antimony stone?
Natural antimony is a chemical mineral scientifically known as antimony, with the chemical symbol Sb. This mineral occurs naturally as stibnite, which is antimony sulfide containing a high percentage of pure antimony, reaching up to 71.7%.
Shape and color
Antimony stone is characterized by its diverse colors depending on its origin:
- Silver stone: Found mainly in Morocco, it has a bright silver color.
- The reddish-black stone: found in the Levant, it has a distinctive dark color.
- Isfahan stone: considered the finest of all, with exceptional purity.
Physical properties
Black kohl stone is easy to break down and grind, making it suitable for turning into a fine powder. When ground, it turns into a very fine black powder used in the manufacture of natural kohl.
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Locations of antimony stone extraction around the world
Genuine antimony stone is not extracted from just anywhere, but from specific geographical areas that have been famous throughout history for the quality of their stones.
Isfahan - Top Quality
The city of Isfahan in Iran is considered the most famous home of the finest types of kohl stone, and the stones extracted from Isfahan are distinguished by their exceptional purity and lack of impurities, making them the preferred choice for the production of medical and therapeutic kohl.
Morocco - Silver Stone
The Maghreb is an important source of silver-colored antimony stone, which is widely used in the traditional kohl industry.
The Levant and Yemen
These areas contain natural deposits of dark reddish-brown antimony stone, which is also of high quality.
Other areas
The stone is also found in the Hejaz and some parts of China, but the highest quality remains for stones extracted from the first three regions.
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Benefits of kohl stone for the eyes and body
The question many people ask is: Why all this interest in antimony stone? The answer lies in the numerous benefits of antimony stone that were discovered by ancient civilizations and confirmed by its use across generations.
For the eye and sight
Kohl stone for the eyes has exceptional benefits:
- Cleaning the eye from impurities and dust
- Protecting the eyes from bacteria and germs
- Strengthening eyesight and removing eye cloudiness
- Treatment of various eye infections
- Stopping internal eye bleeding
- Treatment of catarrh and blocked tear ducts
For eyelashes and hair
When antimony stone is transformed into kohl and used regularly:
- Stimulate eyelash growth and increase their density
- Lengthening eyelashes naturally
- Strengthening eyebrow hair follicles
- Treatment of alopecia and non-hereditary baldness (when used topically)
therapeutic properties
Kohl made from antimony stone has antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, and scientific studies have proven its effectiveness in fighting some types of infections.
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How is antimony stone transformed into kohl?
The process of converting genuine antimony stone into pure kohl requires expertise and precision to ensure a safe and effective product.
Preparation stages
1. Selection and inspection
- Choosing pure stones free from impurities
- Ensure the stone is free of lead and heavy metals
2. Cleaning
- Wash the stones thoroughly to remove dirt.
- Dry it completely
3. Fragmentation
- Breaking the antimony stone into small pieces
- Use clean, sterile tools
4. Grinding
- Grind the small pieces until they become a very fine powder.
- Continue grinding until you achieve a silky smooth consistency.
5. Mixing (optional)
- Add olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil
- Musk can be added to the fragrance
- Mix the ingredients well
6. Packaging
- Place the ground antimony stone in clean, tightly sealed kohl containers.
- Store in a cool, dry place
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How can you distinguish genuine antimony stone from a fake one?
With the spread of counterfeit products in the markets, it has become necessary to know how to distinguish between genuine and fake antimony stone.
Original stone markings
When buying kohl stone, look for:
The documented source
- Stone from Isfahan, Morocco, the Levant, or Yemen
- Clear certificate of origin
- A trusted seller known for their commitment to quality.
Physical properties
- Easy to crush and grind
- Natural color (silver or reddish-black)
- No strange chemical smells
- Natural, non-artificial texture
the price
- Genuine kohl stone is not cheap.
- Very low prices often indicate fraud.
- High quality comes at a price.
Simple tests
Magnet test
- Grind a little of the stone and place it on a piece of paper.
- Move a magnet under the paper
- The original stone is not affected by magnets.
- The adulterated product (containing lead) moves with the magnet.
Usage test
- The original stone does not cause eye irritation.
- The counterfeit product causes redness and allergic reactions.
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Antimony stone in Islamic heritage and the Prophet's Sunnah
Antimony stone has a special place in Arab and Islamic heritage, as it was mentioned in the noble Prophetic tradition.
Prophetic Hadith
The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “ Use kohl, for it makes hair grow, removes impurities, and purifies the eyesight .”
This hadith emphasizes three main benefits:
- Hair growth stimulant: Stimulates the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows
- It removes impurities: it cleanses the eye of debris.
- Eye strainer: Improves visual clarity and strengthens eyesight
Usage throughout history
Ancient civilizations have used antimony stone for thousands of years:
- Pharaohs in ancient Egypt (4th millennium BC)
- Greeks and Romans used it for medical and cosmetic purposes.
- Islamic and Arab civilization
- Continued use up to the present day
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The difference between types of antimony stone
Not all antimony stones are equal in quality; there are clear differences depending on the origin.
Isfahani kohl stone
- Highest quality and purest
- Free from impurities and heavy metals
- Distinctive natural color
- Easy to grind
- The price of Isfahani kohl stone is higher than other types.
Moroccan kohl stone
- High quality
- Distinctive silver color
- widely available
- Reasonable price
Syrian and Yemeni kohl stone
- Very good quality
- reddish-black color
- Excellent therapeutic properties
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Other uses of antimony stone
Although antimony stone is famous for its use in making kohl, it has other, less well-known uses.
In medicine and health
- Treatment of certain skin diseases in veterinary medicine
- A component in some antiparasitic drugs
- Treatment of leishmaniasis in some medical applications
In industry
- It is used in the manufacture of some metal alloys.
- Uses in the electronics industry
- A component in some fire retardants
But the most famous and beneficial use remains in kohl made from antimony stone for eye health and beauty care.
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Tips when buying kohl stone
If you decide to buy antimony stone for personal use, here are some important tips:
Where do you buy it?
- Buy from trusted and certified sources
- Avoid street vendors or unfamiliar markets
- Look for stores specializing in genuine natural products.
- Request quality and origin certificates
what are you looking for
- Natural, chemically untreated antimony stone
- Natural color suitable for the origin
- Clean pieces free from large impurities
- Natural fragrance without chemical additives
How do you memorize it?
- In a dry place away from moisture
- In a sealed package
- Keep out of reach of children
- At normal room temperature
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Precautions and warnings
Despite its benefits, antimony stone should be used with caution and according to the correct guidelines.
Before use
- Make sure the stone is pure and free of lead.
- Grind it well until it becomes very fine.
- Use clean, sterilized tools
During use
- Do not use large quantities
- Avoid direct contact of the kohl with the inner eye at first.
- Stop immediately if any irritation or redness appears.
For children
- Consult your pediatrician before use.
- Use very small amounts
- Observe the child's reactions carefully.
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Why choose shades for kohl stone products?
When you are looking for genuine kohl stone or its products, Zilal is your ideal destination.
Guaranteed quality
- We import antimony stones from the best sources
- Thorough inspection of each batch to ensure purity
- Completely free of lead and heavy metals
- Certified quality certificates
Diversity and choice
- Ready-made eyeliner, finely ground and packaged
- Complete sets with elegant copper kohl containers
- Multiple options to suit all tastes
Reasonable prices
- The price of kohl stone is fair and commensurate with its quality.
- Offers and savings packages
- True value for money
Frequently asked questions about kohl stone
What is genuine antimony stone and how can it be distinguished from a fake?
Genuine kohl stone is a natural mineral extracted from specific regions such as Isfahan, Morocco, and the Levant. To distinguish it from imitations: check the source, use the magnet test (genuine kohl is unaffected by magnets), observe how easily it crumbles and grinds, ensure its natural color (silver or reddish-black), and pay attention to the price, as genuine kohl is not cheap.
What are the benefits of kohl stone for the eyes?
The benefits of kohl stone for the eyes are numerous and well-established through long-standing use and prophetic tradition. It helps cleanse the eyes of impurities and dust, protects against bacteria and germs, strengthens vision, removes cloudiness, treats infections, stops internal bleeding, stimulates eyelash growth and thickness, and treats blocked tear ducts. As mentioned in a prophetic tradition, it "makes hair grow, removes impurities, and clears the eyesight."
How is antimony stone extracted from nature?
Natural antimony occurs in the Earth's crust as the mineral stibnite (antimony sulfide). It is extracted from specialized mines in well-known regions such as Isfahan in Iran, Morocco, the Levant, and Yemen. After extraction, the stone is purified and cleaned of impurities, then graded according to purity and quality. High-quality stones are reserved for medicinal and cosmetic use.
Does antimony stone have other medical or cosmetic uses?
Yes, kohl stone has multiple uses. Cosmetically: Kohl stone is used on the eyes as a natural eyeliner that enhances their beauty, stimulates eyelash and eyebrow growth, and treats hair loss. Medicinally: It is used to treat some skin diseases, as an ingredient in antiparasitic medications, and in the treatment of leishmaniasis. It can also be used topically to treat alopecia and non-hereditary baldness when mixed with lemon juice.
What is the difference between Moroccan and Iranian kohl stone?
The main difference lies in color and purity. Iranian (Isfahani) kohl is considered the finest and purest, with exceptional clarity and complete freedom from impurities. Its color tends towards pure black or dark gray. Moroccan kohl is distinguished by its lustrous silver color and is also of high quality, though slightly less than Isfahani. In terms of price, Isfahani is more expensive due to its superior quality and relative rarity.
How can antimony stone be ground and prepared for kohl?
To properly grind kohl stone: Clean the stone thoroughly with water and dry it. Break it into small pieces using clean tools. Grind it in a stone or metal mortar until it becomes a very fine, silky powder. Sift it to remove any remaining large pieces. Olive oil, castor oil, or musk can be added for fragrance. Mix well, then store in a clean, airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Are there any harmful effects from using antimony stone directly?
Pure, genuine kohl stone is safe when used correctly. However, the following precautions should be taken: ensure the stone is free of lead and heavy metals (fake stones are dangerous), grind it very finely to avoid coarse particles that could scratch the eyes, use only moderate amounts, discontinue use immediately if any irritation or redness appears, and avoid excessive daily use. Pure, genuine stones from reliable sources are completely safe.
Where can I buy genuine antimony stone?
Genuine kohl stone can be purchased from reputable, specialized stores like Zilal, which guarantees that the stones are imported from the best sources and come with certified quality certificates. Avoid buying from informal markets or street vendors. Look for stores that provide certificates of origin, clear source information, inspection and return options, and excellent customer service. The price of genuine kohl stone is reasonable considering the quality offered.
What are the signs of quality in antimony stone?
Signs of genuine, high-quality kohl include: a proven source from Isfahan, Morocco, or the Levant; a clear, natural color (silver or reddish-black depending on the origin); ease of crushing and grinding; resistance to magnetism (indicating lead-free); a natural aroma without chemical additives; no eye irritation or redness upon use; and a very smooth texture after grinding. A relatively high price often reflects quality.
Is the antimony stone mentioned in the Prophetic tradition?
Yes, the use of kohl stone is clearly mentioned in the Prophetic Sunnah. The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “Use kohl, for it makes the hair grow, removes impurities, and purifies the eyesight” (a sound hadith).