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Prussian Blue: an Artistic and Diagnostic Odyssey

From an alchemist's accident in 18th-century Berlin to a stain we still rely on in diagnostics today, Prussian blue has had quite a journey

By Ebubekir (Bekir) Ucar 06/05/2026 Historical 5 min read

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Objective:

To trace the history and significance of Prussian blue, from its accidental discovery to its applications in art and pathology.

Key Findings:

Prussian blue was discovered accidentally when contaminated potassium salts were mixed with iron sulfate.
The pigment provided a stable and affordable alternative to ultramarine.
Prussian blue enabled Japanese artists to achieve richer colors and tonal ranges.
The Perls Prussian blue stain remains a key diagnostic tool for evaluating iron in liver pathology.

Interpretation:

Limitations:

The reliability of Prussian blue in forensic pathology for dating hemorrhage is debated.
Overinterpretation of results can lead to diagnostic pitfalls.

Conclusion:

References

M Perls, Archiv F Pathol Anat, 39 (1867). doi: 10.1007/BF01878983.
AD Burt et al., "MacSween's Pathology of the Liver," 8th Edition (2022), Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/C2018-0-05272-X.
ML Smith et al., "Practical Pulmonary Pathology," 4th Edition (2022), Elsevier.
MM Patnaik and A Tefferi, Am J Hematol, 96, 3 (2021). PMID: 33428785.
A Sonada et al., Forensic Sci Int Synergy, 11 (2025). PMID: 40686580.
DR LaFrance et al., Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 7, 3 (2011). PMID: 21305390.

About the Author(s)

Ebubekir (Bekir) Ucar

Ebubekir (Bekir) Ucar, MD, is an AP/CP Resident, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Northwell Health, New York, USA.

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