Crystallographic data of vanadates, phosphates, chromates, sulphates and selenates belonging to the CrVO4 (beta-CrPO4) structure type and of some of its most important polymorphs, are reported. Characteristic structural peculiarities and the effect of pressure on the phase transformations are discussed. A definitive stability field for this structure type could be established. Synthetic procedures for the preparation of the different compounds adopting this and closely related structures are presented and its thermal, spectroscopic and magnetic properties are discussed. A brief overview on the most important characteristics of materials adopting the alpha-CrPO4 structure is also presented.