Faure's
Iron Hematoxylin

Solution A	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	3.2 g	Dye
90% ethanol	100 mL	Solvent
Solution B	Amount	Function
Ferric chloride	0.2 g	Mordant
Cupric acetate	0.1 g	Mordant
Distilled water	100 mL	Solvent
Hydrochloric acid	2 mL	Acidifier

 

Compounding procedure
Make each solution seperately.
For use, combine equal parts of solutions A and B.
The working solution may be used immediately, but is not stable for long.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for 5 seconds.
3. Rinse with tap water.
4. Dip briefly in 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
5. Wash well in running tap water to blue.
6. Rinse with distilled water.
7. Counterstain if desired.
8. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  black
• Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

1. The stock solutions are stable for some time.
2. The working solution should be made fresh.
3. This method is suitable as an acid resistant nuclear stain.
4. Only a very short staining time of 5 seconds is required.
5. The solution incorporates two mordants, iron and copper.

 

Reference

Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
  Citing:–
    Faure, (1929)
    Compte rendu hebdomadaire des séances et mémoires de la Société de biologie,
     v.90, p.87.