The white emission phosphor Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Dy3+ was synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Phase analysis and characteristic luminescence properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra measurement. Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Dy3+ phosphor shows strong absorption in 350-410 nm region and exhibits white emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates of (03425, 0.3343). Its emission intensity at 250 degrees C remained 74% of that measured at room temperature. Moreover, the activation energy is also calculated through the Arrhenius equation. The result shows that the thermostability of Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Dy3+ is superior than that of commercial phosphor Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce3+. The outstanding luminescent properties indicate that Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Dy3+ could be a potential white light emission phosphor. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.