Anhydrous sodium formate single crystals were grown by the solvent evaporation method at 40 degrees C. Etching study was carried out to assess the crystalline perfection. X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectral analyses were performed for the identification of the material and the crystal structure. Suitability of the crystal for photonic applications was studied by the optical transmittance, SHG efficiency and Z-scan measurements. The thermal and mechanical stabilities of the grown crystal were also investigated. Thermal decomposition and load dependence of various mechanical parameters viz. H-v, K-c, B, sigma(v) and C-11 have been understood. AC (with various frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 200 kHz) and DC electrical measurements were carried out at various temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 degrees C. Temperature and frequency dependences of important electrical parameters have been understood. Results obtained indicate that the grown crystal exhibits higher crystallinity, good optical transmittance, third order optical nonlinearity, good thermal stability (up to 318 degrees C), higher dielectric constant and normal mechanical behaviour. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.