Crystal Violet
Crystal Violet is a synthetic dye that appears as a dark purple color. It is commonly used in laboratories for staining biological specimens, particularly in the Gram staining technique, which helps differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This dye binds to certain cellular components, making it easier to visualize cells under a microscope.
In addition to its use in microbiology, Crystal Violet has applications in various fields, including histology and textile dyeing. It also has antifungal properties and has been used in some medical treatments, although its use has declined due to safety concerns.