Gayle,
		this is the Spalteholz technic and a series of modifications. Its only
problem is one of time. I thought that the original question was asking
about distinguishing bone and cartilage on processed sections. If for whole
mounts then I can provide some techniques.
Barry

At 10:07 AM 08/26/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>I have seen fetuses stained with alizarin red S and alcian blue. 
>
>Cartilage vs bone is clearly distinguished, and
>the samples where stained as whole mounts. Have never done it, but seen
>photos in publications, spectacular preparations!  Hopefully someone who
>has done this, will come forth with their tried and true method. 
>
>Gayle Callis
>
>