The stoichiometric laser crystal Yb3Al5O12 has been grown by the Czochralski method. The structure of the YbAG crystal has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The absorption and emission spectra of YbAG crystal at room temperature have also been studied. The absorption, emission cross-section and fluorescence lifetime have been estimated as 0.64 x 10(-20), 1.96 x 10(-20)cm(2) and 270 mus, respectively. The spectroscopic parameters of Yb:YAG and YbAG crystal have been compared, and the results indicate that YbAG is a promising stoichiometric laser crystal. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.