To perform microcrystallization, a small piece of lichen is extracted using acetone or other solvents, filtered, and evaporated to yield a residue. The residue is transferred to a microscope slide, and a drop of microcrystallization reagent is added before capping with a cover glass. Commonly used reagents include GAW (HO/glycerol/ethanol 1:1:1, v/v/v) and GE (acetic acid/glycerol 1:3). Slides using GE or GAW are gently heated and then allowed to cool, promoting the crystallization process. Once formed, crystals are best observed under polarized light with a 200–1,000-fold magnification.
This method requires basic laboratory equipment, including a microscope equipped for polarized light, test tubes, pipettes, a micro spirit-lamp or micro Bunsen burner, spatula or scalpel, and microscope slides and cover glasses. Lichen substances can be identified based on the distinctive shape and color of their crystals.