Two stable phases of the Al-Li-Cu system exhibit interesting crystallographic features. The R-Al5CuLi3 compound has a Im3 point group with icosahedral and triacontahedral arrangements. The Al6CuLi3 compound has a quasi-crystalline like structure as confirmed by both X-ray and electron diffraction. This phase may be obtained either as large single quasi-crystals by conventional casting or as reversible precipitation by ageing of aluminium rich solid solutions