The thermal change of the tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) is currently investigated by XRD-DSC and TG. The phase transition of Alq3 from α-phase to γ-phase takes place at 643–669 K. A very sharp peak with the peak temperature at approx. 709 K is ascribed to the melting of the Alq3. The decomposition of the Alq3 was observed accompanied with the melting and evaporation at >703K. The effect of the atmospheres on the mass loss procedure was studied by TG. It was found that thermal process of Alq3 was strongly influenced by the partial pressure of water vapor in the atmosphere instead of oxygen.