Alizarin is a dye specifically used to stain calcium deposits in bone, making it highly effective for detecting and analyzing localized bone growth abnormalities at a microscopic level. Unlike imaging techniques (X-ray, MRI, CT), Alizarin directly highlights areas of active mineralization and new bone formation. This allows for precise visualization of the extent and pattern of bone growth issues, which is crucial in both research and diagnosis of bone pathologies. Thus, in cases where detailed assessment of localized bone growth is needed, Alizarin staining provides definitive histological evidence that imaging alone cannot offer.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, Henry Gray, 42nd Edition.