KnowraCrystal violetLinked fromLinked fromThe 4 pages that link to Crystal violet, each with the reason it gives.All 4Related 2Compared with 2SafraninCompared with: It is the primary stain in Gram staining, while safranin usually serves as the counterstain.Malachite greenCompared with: This close chemical relative is widely used in laboratories but has different staining roles.