The crystal density and Mohs hardness of zinc cadmium thiocyanate (ZCTC), ZnCd(SCN)(4) have been measured at room temperature. The specific heat of the crystal is 699.5 J mol(-1) K-1 at 300 K. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) along the a and c axes, respectively, is interpreted on the basis of crystal structure. The thermal decomposition process is characterized by thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC). The intermediates and final products of the thermal decomposition were identified by X-ray powder diffraction at room temperature. The high-temperature effect in air on the optical transmission of the crystal was also studied. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.