In the Sr-Cu-O system, several high-pressure phases have been described in the literature. Single crystal growth is complicated by the strong reactivity of CuO with conventional crucible materials. This problem Could be solved essentially by using a new compound crucible, consisting of a single crystalline MgO inset in a scaled platinum capsule. The markedly prolonged standing time of the improved crucible allows growth of single crystals from a SrO-CuO melt for the first time. After an assessment of the relevant part of the SrO-CuO phase diagram. single crystals of the spill ladder compound SrCu2O3. With dimensions up to 2 mm could be grown. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.