A series of Eu2+- doped Sr-5(BO3)(3)Cl phosphors were prepared successfully using a conventional solid-state reaction method. The luminescent properties were studied systematically by utilizing photoluminescence spectra, decay curves, persistent luminescence spectra, and thermoluminescence glow curves. Energy transfer from host to emission center Eu2+ was affirmed. The orange persistent luminescence emission was observed for the first time. The optimal doping concentration of Eu2+ for persistent luminescence was experimentally to be approximately 0.5% and the orange persistent luminescence duration can persist about 15 min. On the basis of the experimental results, a model was constructed and the relevant mechanism of persistent luminescence was illustrated in detail. Two different ways of trapping the charge carriers were also discussed.