Colquiriite-type crystals like LiCaAlF 6 , LiSrAlF 6 , LiCaGaF 6 , and LiSrGaF 6 are interesting host crystals for Cr 3+ or Ce 3+ laser ion doping. Although the Ca compounds show interesting optical properties, the growth of these crystals is difficult due to incongruent melting. LiCaGaF 6 crystallizes with CaF 2 deficiency and melts incongruently at 710-720°C. Hydrolysis with traces of moisture is critical for all fluorides. AlF 3 and GaF 3 have the highest sensitivity among the main components of the colquiriites. Hydrolysis can only be slightly suppressed by hydrogen fluoride. Elementary fluorine or reactive gases as carbon tetrafluoride are more effective by several orders of magnitude.