In this paper we report the growth and characterization of Nd3+:Gd3Ga5O12 crystal. By altering the ratio of the initial materials, the growth atmosphere, the pulling and rotation rate, and by optimizing the thermal environment, we have eliminated a series of problems that often emerged during crystal growth, such as spiral boule growth, hollow boule growth and boule cracking. Large-sized Nd3+:Gd3Ga5O12 single crystal with good optical quality was obtained successfully and the dimensions of the as-grown crystal were 0 48 x 30mm(3). The Nd3+:Gd3Ga5O12 crystal was investigated by high resolution X-ray diffractometry, with the FWHM of the rocking curve 19", which means the obtained crystal was of good structural quality. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.