Von Kossa stain is used to identify what?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Von Kossa staining highlights mineralized calcium in tissue by turning calcium salts black. The silver nitrate treatment reacts with phosphate or carbonate ions bound to calcium (as in calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate); these anions reduce silver and precipitate metallic silver, giving dark deposits where calcium salts are present. This makes calcifications visible under the microscope. It doesn’t target iron, lipids, or melanin (those require other stains such as Prussian blue for iron, lipid stains, or Fontana-Masson for melanin).