[en] La₃Ga_5.5Ta_0.5O₁₄ (LGT) crystal was grown by using the Czochralski method. The as-grown crystal is transparent, free from inclusions and with no cracks. Specific heat, thermal expansion, dielectric constants, transmission spectrum and optical damage threshold of LGT have been measured, and the results show general properties of LGT are similar to that of La₃Ga₅SiO₁₄ (LGS) crystal. The experiment to research the Q-switch properties of LGT has been performed and the results show LGT possesses smaller electrooptic coefficients than that of LGS and may not be an ideal material used as a Q-switch. (copyright 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)