Eu2+ and Tb3+ doped BaCa2MgSi2O8 phosphors were prepared by a solid state reaction technique. The structure and morphology of the phosphors were investigated. The excitation and emission spectra from the ultraviolet to the visible region as well as decay curves have been measured and discussed. The temperature quenching properties were studied in the temperature range of 300-500 K, which showed that the quenching of Eu2' emission was easier than that of Tb3" in codoped samples. Energy transfer from Eu2+ to Tb3+ was verified, the energy transfer efficiencies increase with Tb3+ concentration, and the highest efficiency can approach 30%. The investigation on energy transfer is beneficial to develop high efficiency luminescence materials. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.