Abstract: A fluorescent material is described which remains uninfluenced in the presence of oxygen during fabrication, allows a highly efficient light emission due to the concentration of donors being adjustable as appropriate, and is excellent in giving a bright light and having a long life. The fluorescent material is represented by the formula Ga.sub.1-x In.sub.x N:M,X, wherein 0.ltoreq.x<0.8, M is at least one element selected from the group of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Cd and Hg, and X is at least one element selected from the group of C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb. The fluorescent material preferably has concentration ranges (mol %) of the elements M and X of 0.005<M<0.7 and 0.002<X<0.8. The starting materials utilized for preparing the fluorescent material are substances devoid of oxygen, preferably (SiH.sub.a N.sub.b).sub.n where a=1-3, b=0 or 1, and n=an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: A phosphor capable of being kept from being affected by oxygen during production thereof, carrying out luminescence due to excitation by electrons, selectively realizing various luminous colors depending on selection of starting materials and exhibiting satisfactory luminance and life characteristics. The phosphor is represented by a chemical formula Ga.sub.1-x In.sub.x N:A (0.ltoreq.x<0.8, A.dbd.Zn or Mg) and prepared by mixing starting materials containing at least an oxygen-free gallium compound and an oxygen-free doping substance to prepare a mixture and heating the mixture in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere.