We present a novel application of the Fresnel zone plate geometry in which the Mo¨ssbauer effect is used to focus nuclear‐resonant x‐ray photons and thereby to monochromatize synchrotron radiation. The calculated efficiency and energy bandpass of the Mo¨ssbauer–Fresnel zone plate monochromator compare well with those of other Mo¨ssbauer‐effect monochromators currently in use. The unique capability of focusing Mo¨ssbauer radiation into a small (few &mgr;m) spot may have applications in spatially resolved and high‐pressure Mo¨ssbauer‐effect studies.