Ion-beam synthesis of a buried beta-FeSi2 layer in Si is demonstrated. In the experiments Si(111) substrates have been implanted with 450-keV Fe+ ions. Samples have been analyzed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Annealing at 900-degrees-C of samples implanted with 6 x 10(17) Fe+ /cm2 causes formation of a buried layer consisting of grains with lateral dimensions of approximately 5-mu-m. The epitaxy of beta-FeSi2 (110) and/or (101) planes parallel to the Si(111) substrate plane is observed.