Abstract: A method for making negative thermal expansion material zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) comprise: (a)forming a gel wrapped solid product comprising a water-soluble zirconium compound, preferably zirconium oxyhalides or zirconium oxynitrates and a water-insoluble tungsten compound, preferably tungsten powder or tungsten oxide powder; and (b)heating the gel wrapped solid product to a temperature sufficient to form ZrW2O8; the temperature required for forming zirconium tungstate should be at least about 1165° C.; the upper limit of the temperature should be about 1250° C., and preferably should be about 1180˜1200° C.; and the time needed for the formation of zirconium tungstate is less than about 5 hours; this method has the advantages on enhancing the selectivity of the reactants, simplifying production process, reducing the cost of reagent, and facilitating the mass production for making ZrW2O8.