Sodium Uranyl Acetate
Transmitted Oblique Illumination

Definition/Function:
These are characteristic crystals of Na(C₂H₃O₂)-A standard test for sodium is to test the dry salt with a solution of uranyl acetate (UO₂(C₂H₃O₂)-2H₂O) in water made acid with a little acetic acid. If sodium ions are present well in excess of any divalent ions then these typical crystals are evident. If these crystals form then sodium is present. If these crystals don't form then sodium ions are not present or they are part of a complex crystal structure that may not be unique. Extraction of the interfering elements may be required.

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References:
Chamot, Emile Monnin and Clyde Walter Mason, HANDBOOK OF CHEMICAL MICROSCOPY, Volume II, pp. 51-58, 1940.