Different concentrations of rare earth Sm 3+ -and Dy 3+ -activated MgCaAl 10 O 17 phosphors were synthesized using the combustion route and their detailed luminescence investigations are reported in this paper. The photoluminescence excitation spectra of Sm 3+ -and Dy 3+ -activated MgCaAl 10 O 17 phosphor show multiple peaks in the ultraviolet light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The characteristic emission spectra of the MgCaAl 10 O 17 :Sm 3+ phosphor are located at 563 nm, 594 nm, and 644 nm, with the maximum emission intensity occurring at 594 nm. The emission spectra of the MgCaAl 10 O 17 :Dy 3+ phosphor show two emission peaks, one at 476 nm wavelength in the blue light region and the other at 573 nm wavelength in the yellow region. The above results suggest that the prepared phosphor can be suitable for applications in eco-friendly solid-state lighting.