A nonlinear optical crystal having a chemical formula of Y.sub.iLa.sub.jAl.sub.kB.sub.16O.sub.48, where 2.8.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.3.2, 0.8.ltoreq.j.ltoreq.1.2, i and j sum to about four, and k is about 12 is provided. The nonlinear optical crystal is useful for nonlinear optical applications including frequency conversion. Nonlinear optical crystals in a specific embodiment are characterized by UV blocking materials (e.g., some transition metals and lanthanides) at concentrations of less than 1,000 parts per million, providing high transmittance over portions of the UV spectrum (e.g., 175-360 nm).