Fayalite was synthesized by a simple process. As an anode materials for lithium ion batteries, fayalite was mixed with acetylene black to prepare electrodes. The electrochemical properties of Fe₂SiO₄ particles were systematically investigated and our results proved that fayalite presents great specific capacity, superior rate capability and long battery cycle life when tested in the form of a half-cell. As a new anode material, fayalite showed a room-temperature invertible specific discharging capacity of 800 mA h g⁻¹ at a current of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, and that its reversible specific capacity reaches 520 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 1600 mA g⁻¹. This splendid lithium storage performance may result from the unique crystal structure of fayalite to form a channel that promotes the lithium ion insertion and extraction process and the formation of lithium silicate as a solid electrolyte. Therefore, fayalite could be a prospective alternative material for lithium-ion battery anodes.