Selective Staining of Magnesium by Titan Yellow Applied to Incinerated Tissue Sections

Tissue sections were microincinerated with a Bunsen burner, allowed to cool, and coated with an 0.2% aqueous solution of titan yellow. Upon addition of 2 N NaOH, sites of magnesium deposits exhibited a flame red color, which persisted as long as the alkalinity of the mounting medium was preserved. Tests with calcium salts dissolved in serum were negative.