Ba1-ySryLa4-xTbx(WO4)(7) (x = 0.02-1.2, y = 0-0.4) phosphors were prepared via a solid-state reaction and their photoluminescence properties were investigated. An analysis of the decay behavior indicates that the energy migration between Tb3+ ions is conspicuous in the D-5(3) -> F-7(4) transition due to the cross-relaxation in BaLa4(WO4)(7). A partial substitution of Ba2+ by Sr2+ can not only enhance the emission intensity but also increase the solid solubility of Tb3+ in Ba1-ySryLa4-x(WO4)(7). The emission intensity of the D-5(4) -> F-7(J) (J = 4, 5, 6) transitions can be enhanced by increasing Sr2+ and Tb3+ concentrations, with the optimal conditions being x = 1.2, y = 0.4 (Ba0.6Sr0.4La2.8Tb1.2(WO4)(7)). Under near-UV excitation at 379 nm, the CIE color coordinates of Ba1-ySryLa4-xTbx(WO4)(7) vary from blue (0.212, 0.181) at x = 0.04, y = 0, to green (0.245, 0.607) at x = 1.2, y = 0.4. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.