The Ca3Gd2(BO3)(4):Yb3+ crystal with a size up to circle divide 20 mm x 50 mm was grown by the Czochralski method. The absorption and emission spectra were measured. There is a broad absorption band ranging from 850 to 1000 inn in the absorption spectrum. A broad emission spectrum front 930 to 1100 nm was exhibited from 895 nm wavelength pumping. This crystal is promising as a tunable infrared laser crystal. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.