Due to the phase transition near 920 degrees C and hygroscopicity, the growth of BaCl2 single crystals is difficult. However, owing to the suppression of the cubic-orthorhombic phase transition by La substitution and careful handling to prevent contact with the starting powders and moisture in the air, crack-free BaCl2 single crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-clown technique under ambient pressure. In addition, photo- and radio-luminescence in non-activated and Eu2+-activated compounds were reported for scintillator applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.