Metallic Sodium

In metallic form, sodium can be used to refine reactive metals such as zirconium and potassium, improve alloy structures, descale metal and purify molten metals. It is often used as a desiccant for drying solvents in chemistry and is also used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis. The sodium fusion test uses sodium's physical properties to qualitatively analyze other compounds. 

Sodium vapor lamps is also used for street lighting in cities. The low-pressure sodium lamps display a yellow-orange light from the predominantly sodium D lines. High pressure sodium lamps give a peach-colored light from the array of spectrum lines. Its most common compounds for industrial use include sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium carbonate (washing soda) and sodium sulfate.