The staining process begins with the application of a mordant, typically ferric chloride or ferric ammonium sulfate, which binds to tissue components. Hematoxylin is then applied, which interacts with the mordant-tissue complex, resulting in an intense blue or black coloration of nuclear structures and certain fibers. The stain is particularly resilient to acidic environments, which allows it to be used in combination with other stains that require acidic conditions.
