Three SrSO4:RE phosphors activated with rare-earth ions (RE = Sm3+, Tb3+, and Ce3+) were synthesized by a facile precipitation reaction without using any surfactants or templates. Especially, rod-like SrSO4 microcrystals with size of about 14 mu m length and 6 mu m width can be obtained under ambient condition at room temperature. The phase structure, microstructure and luminescence properties were characterized. In the photoluminescence property investigation of SrSO4:Ce3+, two overlapping bands with peaks at 301 and 320 nm due to Ce3+ were observed. Narrow bands observed in emission spectra and excitation spectra of SrSO4:RE (RE = Sm3+ and Tb3+) phosphors were well identified with the electronic transitions within the 4f(n) (n = 5 and 8) configurations of RE3+. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.