The phase formation and transition mechanism of perovskite ceramics in the (1 - x)Pb(Mg0.33Nb0.66)O-3-xPb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3, (1 - x)PMN xPZT system prepared by a modified mixed-oxide synthetic route have been investigated for various chemical compositions and firing temperatures. Lattice parameter changes were examined as a function of composition. It is seen that perovskite phases undergo the transitions (pseudo)cubic to tetragonal in the x value range 0.0-1.0. The degree of tetragonality and average lattice parameters were found to increase with PZT content across the whole solid solution range. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.