Eu3+ and Bi3+ co-activated Ca3SnSi2O9 phosphors were synthesized by the solid-state reaction. The blue and red emission were observed in Ca3SnSi2O9 host and Eu3+ doped samples, of which ascribed to the self-activated emission of host matrix and the characteristic emissions of Eu3+, respectively. Furthermore, by codoped with Bi3+, the emission intensity of Eu3+ located at 612 nm was significant enhanced, owing to the energy transfer from Bi3+ to Eu3+, which is beneficial to the color tunability of Ca3SnSi2O9: Eu3+, Bi3+ phosphor. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.