Several alkaline earth phosphates doped with uranyl ion were investiga
ted. The solubility of the luminescent ion is very low, and the quench
ing temperature of the emission is below room temperature. The conditi
ons for the solubility of the uranyl ion are considered and a comparis
on with literature data reporting efficient uranyl emission from doped
materials is made. The luminescence properties of Eu3+ in Sr3(PO4)2 a
re discussed in view of its use as a probe ion in this study.