The microstructure of a translucent keatite solid-solution glass-ceramic (keatite s.s.) of the LAS-system (Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2) has been analyzed with SEM, AFM, XRF, XRD, and TEM. The glass-ceramic consists mainly of keatite s.s. with minor secondary phases such as zirconium titanate, gahnite and probably rutile. Furthermore the resistance to temperature differences (RTD) of this glass-ceramic was investigated. It is shown that, in spite of the relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of about 1 x 10(-6) K-1, an improved RTD can be achieved by special ceramization treatment. With this, compressive stresses in the first 100 mu m to 150 mu m are induced. These stresses can presumably be contributed to a difference in CTE between the surface-near zone and the bulk. Said CTE difference is caused by chemical gradients of CTE-relevant elements, such as Zn, K, and supposedly additional alkali elements such as Li. These stresses are useful to increase the strength and application range of glass-ceramics based on keatite s.s.