Thermal stabilities of the rutile-type (Sn2xFe1-xSb1-x)O-4 solid solutions with x less than or equal to 0.5 were investigated by TG-DTA in flowing O-2 UP to 1673 K. After thermal analysis the samples were characterised by means of powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and electron dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis. The decomposition of the solid solution involves the formation of hematite and a volatile Sb oxide, probably Sb4O6. The decomposition temperature increases with the Sn content of the solid solution. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.