Forsterite nanostructures with high aspect ratio were successfully synthesized via catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition. The composition and morphology of the structures were determined by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Results show that a pure phase of forsterite nanostructures was obtained by this catalyst-free method. The formation of these structures is attributed to the presence of a reducing atmosphere. The produced forsterite structures are composed of wires, typically ca. 3.5 mu m in diameter and ca. 2 mm long, covered with nanorods whose lengths are calculated to be less than 200 nm. Their thickness varies considerably but it is generally uniform down the length of each single nanorod. These results indicate that catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition method is a powerful technique for the production of nanostructured forsterite. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.