Sodium and Potassium Uranyl Acetate
The presence of sodium is indicated by the tetrahedron
crystals and the presence of potassium
is indicated by the lath crystals.
Transmitted Oblique Illumination
Definition/Function:
A standard microcrystal test for the presence of sodium and/or potassium ions in
solution is to add a drop of uranyl acetate
to the dried salt. The uranyl acetate solution should be made a little acidic with
acetic acid. If sodium ions are present
well in excess of any divalent ions (calcium, magnesium, etc.) then the tetrahedrons of
sodium uranyl acetate form. If
potassium is present then lathe crystals of potassium uranyl acetate form. If both are
present then the sodium uranyl
acetate forms first followed by the potassium uranyl acetate because the potassium
uranyl acetate is more soluble and stays
in solution longer than the sodium uranyl acetate.
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
Chamot, Emile Monnin and Clyde Walter Mason, HANDBOOK OF CHEMICAL MICROSCOPY, Volume II,
pp. 51-8, 1940.
