Containerless solidification of gas-atomized Nd 10Fe 85B 5 melt droplets was carried out using the drop tube technique. The phase constituents and microstructure of the solidified samples were investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction analysis, thermomagnetic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Besides α-Fe and Nd 2Fe 14B, non-equilibrium phases such as Nd 2Fe 17B x , ɛ-Nd, and Nd 1.1Fe 4B 4 were identified. The microstructure of the samples was categorized into three types, including a quasi-single phase one that consists mainly of Nd 2Fe 17B x dendrites. The lattice parameters and Curie temperature of Nd 2Fe 17B x were determined, and compared with those of the same type phase crystallized in Nd-rich Nd–Fe–B melt compositions. The results were discussed with respect to the stoichiometry, formation as well as potential application of Nd 2Fe 17B x .