The new compounds M 2+ Zr(SeO 4 ) 3 ( M 2+  = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) and Li 2 Zr( X O 4 ) 3 ( X  = S, Se) were synthesized at 220 °C by reaction of Zr 2 O 2 (CO 3 )(OH) 2 with hydroxides or carbonates of M / Li and the respective acids H 2 SeO 4 /H 2 SO 4 . They form crystals up to several tenths of a mm and were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The framework structures of these selenates can be deduced from that of monoclinic Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 in space group P 2 1 /n , which is characterized by two types of isolated Fe 3+ O 6 octahedra, corner-linked with three different sulfate groups: ferric iron is substituted in 1:1 ratio by Zr 4+ and M 2+ as already known for isotypic M Zr(SO 4 ) 3 representatives. In the case of Li 2 Zr( X O 4 ) 3 members, one additional lithium atom occupies a tetrahedral vacancy of the Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 architecture. Graphical abstract