As a result of solid-state reactions between ZnO and BiVO4, mixed at a molar ratio of 2: 1, or among ZnO, V2O5 and Bi2O3, mixed at a molar ratio of 4: 1: 1, a new double vanadate BiZn2VO6 has been obtained. Its crystallographic system was determined, its unit cell parameters were calculated and its incongruent melting temperature was established. The phase equilibria being established in the system ZnO-BiVO4 over the whole components concentration range up to 1273 K were described. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.