This work reports that Mg and Sn doped ZnO (MgSnZnO) are synthesized by thermal oxidation of MgSnZn alloys. The structure and optical properties are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman scattering technology and photoluminescence spectrum. Interestingly, the resulting MgSnZnO shows white photoluminescence. Additionally, the photoluminescence spectrum of MgSnZnO shows two broad emission bands ranging from 360 to 420 nm and 420 to 630 nm, respectively. Through multipeak Gaussian fitting, it is found that the broad emission is composed of six Gaussian peaks. The six Gaussian peaks are centrered at 383 nm, 397 nm, 455 nm, 516 nm, 560 nm and 614 nm. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.