In the R2O3:3Ga(2)O(3):4B(2)O(3), systems (R-La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, Y, Er and Yb), X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption spectroscopy were used to study the solid-state reactions in the 575-1050degreesC temperature range. In some samples (R = Sm, Gd, Ho, Er and Y) huntite (RGa3(BO3)(4)) phases accompanied by RBO3 and GaBO3 intermediate phases were identified. However in the systems of R2O3:3Ga(2)O(3):4B(2)O(3) for R = La3+, Nd3+ and Yb-3divided by. instead of the expected huntite phases, La-, Nd-metaborate or YbGa(BO3)(2) dolomite type phases were formed. Detailed XRD of the rare-earth gallium borates are presented for the first time. Based on the above results. some chemical reactions were assumed for the processes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.