Delafield hematoxylin is a histological staining method based on the use of hematoxylin as the main stain for staining cell nuclei and other basophilic structures in tissue specimens. Delafield hematoxylin is a variant of hematoxylin stains that is characterized by its particular formulation and staining properties.

Delafield hematoxylin is prepared by oxidizing hematoxylin to hematein and then complexing it with aluminum salts. This solution is known for its high color intensity and long shelf life. Delafield hematoxylin staining produces intense blue-violet staining of cell nuclei and basophilic structures.

The staining method is ideal for the study of various tissue types in histological and histopathological analysis. The intense staining allows clear differentiation of cell nuclei and basophilic structures from other tissue components, facilitating precise assessment of cell structures, cell changes and diagnosis of diseases. Delafield hematoxylin is often used in combination with other staining methods, such as eosin staining, to provide differential visualization of various tissue components.