Used primarily as an acid dye in the textile industry for dyeing protein fibers such as wool and silk, and polyamide fibers like nylon, providing deep violet shades with good light and wash fastness. Not typically used for cellulose fibers like cotton or polyester, which require different dye classes. Also applied in the printing of textiles and sometimes in ink formulations for specialty printing. Its strong color intensity makes it suitable for use in low concentrations, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency. Additionally, it finds use in laboratory settings as a staining agent for microscopic analysis; while some acid dyes exhibit pH-sensitive color changes, specific use as a pH indicator requires verification.