The olive-like tetragonal alpha-Nd-2(MoO4)(3) was obtained by a convenient and facile complex agent assisted hydrothermal method. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The possible formation mechanism of the olive-like alpha-Nd-2(MoO4)(3) was proposed. The photoluminescence property in visible region of the olive-like tetragonal alpha-Nd-2(MoO4)(3) was studied. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.