Author(s) of this paper may load this reprint on their own web site or institutional repository provided that this cover page is retained. Republication of this article or its storage in electronic databases other than as specified above is not permitted without prior permission in writing from the IUCr.For further information see http://journals.iucr.org/services/authorrights.html Many research topics in condensed matter research, materials science and the life sciences make use of crystallographic methods to study crystalline and non-crystalline matter with neutrons, X-rays and electrons. Articles published in the Journal of Applied Crystallography focus on these methods and their use in identifying structural and diffusioncontrolled phase transformations, structure-property relationships, structural changes of defects, interfaces and surfaces, etc. Developments of instrumentation and crystallographic apparatus, theory and interpretation, numerical analysis and other related subjects are also covered. The journal is the primary place where crystallographic computer program information is published.Crystallography Journals Online is available from journals.iucr.org J. Appl. Cryst. (2014 The formation and growth of nanosized CaF 2 crystallites by heat treatment of an oxyfluoride glass of composition 7.65Na 2 O-7.69K 2 O-10.58CaO-12.5CaF 2 -5.77Al 2 O 3 -55.8SiO 2 (wt%) was investigated using anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). A recently developed vacuum version of the hybrid pixel detector Pilatus 1M was used for the ASAXS measurements below the Ca K-edge of 4038 eV down to 3800 eV. ASAXS investigation allows the determination of structural parameters such as size and size distribution of nanoparticles and characterizes the spatial distribution of the resonant element, Ca. The method reveals quantitatively that the growing CaF 2 crystallites are surrounded by a shell of lower electron density. This depletion shell of growing thickness hinders and finally limits the growth of CaF 2 crystallites. Moreover, in samples that were annealed for 10 h and more, additional very small heterogeneities (1.6 nm diameter) were found.