Forensic staining

The science of forensics is most famous for its detection of fingerprints and the matching of DNA samples.

Osmium tetroxide (the metal's most common form) is used as a stain for fingerprints and DNA. It is relatively inert and does not harm the samples while efficiently revealing fats by binding at double bonds of unsaturated lipids and imparting a dense brownish or black colour.

Certain alloys of osmium and platinum are used in the manufacture of specialized laboratory equipment.