The reaction sequence to synthesize beta-eucryptite, LiAlSiO(4), from the raw ingredients SiO(2), Li(2)CO(3), and Al(2)O(3) was studied using thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques. Reactions were examined by heating the raw ingredients as two-component and three-component mixtures in air, then cooling for phase analysis. In some cases, cyclic heating was performed to ensure a complete reaction. It was found that a complex sequence of reactions involving several intermediate phases occurs. The single oxides (SiO(2) and Al(2)O(3)) react with Li(2)CO(3) to form the binary oxides (Li(2)Si(2)O(5), Li(2)SiO(3), and LiAlO(2)); SiO(2) reacts with Li(2)CO(3) before Al(2)O(3). Subsequently, the binary oxides form ternary oxides (LiAlSi(2)O(6) and LiAlSiO(4)). Finally, the ternary oxides form the equilibrium product, beta-eucryptite (LiAlSiO(4)). These reactions are discussed in the context of the thermodynamic properties of the various compounds.