Linear optical properties of the Ζn 1 -xΜgx Se (0 < x < 0.4) alloys have been studied using reflectance, spectroscopic ellipsometry and photoluminescence measurements. The refractive indices of Ζn1-xMgxSe epilayers were investigated as a function of Mg composition (0 ≤ x ≤ 0 . 4 ) . T h e e n e r g i e s o f band gap Εg and spin-orbit splitting Eg + Δ, have been determined. These energies are shifted gradually to higher values with increasing Mg content.