Abstract: There is provided a long-lasting phosphor having a base crystal of {dot over (a)}kermanite crystal structure consisting of R′ (where R′ is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba), Mg, Si, O and N and comprising Eu as an activator and one or more co-activators such as Dy. The long-lasting phosphor is produced by sintering materials including strontium nitrate to grow the base crystal of {dot over (a)}kermanite crystal structure, or by changing a solution containing constituent elements or material in the state of suspension into fine particles of liquid by atomization and thereafter heating the fine particles of liquid in a gas stream under oxidating, neutral or reducing atmosphere. The new Mohs' scale of hardness of the long-lasting phosphor is less than 1. Phosphorescence brightness of the long-lasting phosphor 2 minutes after stoppage of irradiation of illuminance of 1000 lux for 30 minutes with a white fluorescent lamp is 200 mCd/m2 or over.

Abstract: There is provided a long-lasting phosphor being activated by divalent europium and having a chemical composition RO.a(Al1−xGax)2O3.bMmOn.cB2O3.dEu3+ (where R is at least one selected from the group consisting of alkaline-earth metals and Zn, and M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Y, Sc and Si) wherein a, b, c, d and x are within ranges of 0.3≦a≦8, 0<b≦0.2, 0.001≦c≦0.3, 0.001≦d≦0.3, and 0≦x<1.0.