Abstract The glycine based single crystals such as glycine zinc sulphate (GZS) and di(glycine) barium chloride (DGBC) was synthesized and single crystals are grown by solution growth technique. The unit cell parameters of grown crystals have been analyzed by single crystal XRD. The optical properties were studied using UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The TG/DTA analyzes were performed and the melting point of the sample was measured. The study of microhardness was measured on a prominent plane to determine mechanical strength using Vicker's hardness test. The NLO properties measurements were carried out using Q-switched Nd: YAG laser.