The influence of the reducing Ar+CO atmosphere on the stages of starting raw material preparation, growth and post-growth annealing of yttrium aluminum garnet, Y3Al5O12 (YAG) crystals was studied. The chemical reactions involving CO atmosphere and its impact on the raw material, melt, and crystal composition are determined. Modification of YAG optical properties under the reducing annealing is discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.