The applicability of the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) technique for YbxY(1-x)VO4 (x = 0.05, 0.1 and 1) was approved by successful growth of crystals up to 80 mm in length as the thin plates. Low-angle grain boundaries and the crystal coloration as main defects were found. Optimal seed orientation was suggested on the strength of vanadate crystal plate morphology. Optical properties, chemical composition and the crystalline quality were investigated. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.