Fine-particle-size (1-2 mu m), europium-activated strontium thiogallate phosphors, Sr1-xEuxGa2S4, have been synthesized by a novel, solid-state, rapid metathesis reaction with metal chloride and sodium sulfide precursor powders. The reaction was initiated in an agate crucible with a heated tungsten filament in a glove box. The resultant powders were weakly crystalline and not luminescent in the as-synthesized state. Subsequent heat-treatment in a N-2 atmosphere for 4 h at 750 degrees C fully crystallized the powders and produced the characteristic photoluminescence broad-band emission centered at 535 nm of Sr1-xEuxGa2S4.