Sign up for CNN\u2019s Wonder Theory science newsletter.\u00a0<\/em>Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n A small stone vial discovered in southeastern Iran contained a red cosmetic that was likely used as a lip coloring nearly 4,000 years ago, according to archaeologists.<\/p>\n The rare find is \u201cprobably the earliest\u201d example of lipstick to be scientifically documented and analyzed, the researchers reported in February in the journal Scientific Reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n More than 80% of the analyzed sample was made up of minerals that produce a deep red color \u2014\u00a0primarily hematite. The mixture also contained manganite and braunite, which have dark hues, as well as traces of other minerals and waxy substances made from vegetables and other organic substances.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth the intensity of the red coloring minerals and the waxy substances are, surprisingly enough, fully compatible with recipes for contemporary lipsticks,\u201d the study authors noted.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not possible to exclude the possibility the cosmetic was used in other ways, say, as a blusher, according to lead study author Massimo Vidale, an archaeologist at the University of Padua\u2019s Department of Cultural Heritage in Italy. But he said the homogenous, deep red color, the compounds used and the shape of the vial \u201csuggested to us it was used on lips.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s one of the first examples of an ancient, red-colored cosmetic to be studied, he said, although it wasn\u2019t clear why cosmetic preparations resembling lipstick were uncommon in the archaeological record.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have no idea, for the moment. The deep red color we found is the first one we met, while several lighter-colored foundations and eye shadows had been identified before,\u201d he said via email.<\/p>\n