Preparation of Li 4 ZrF 8 :Ce 3+ and Li 4 ZrF 8 :Ce 3+ ,Gd 3+ phosphors is described. Data on luminescence characteristics are presented. Hydrothermal route was employed for the synthesis. Li 4 ZrF 8 crystallizes in orthorhombic system with Pnma space group. Li atoms are distributed over two sites, both having same coordination of six. Zr is also similarly distributed over two 8 coordinated sites. Li 4 ZrF 8 :Ce 3+ emits a broad band UVB light, while the emission of Li 4 ZrF 8 :Ce 3+ ,Gd 3+ is in form of a narrow line around 311 nm attributed to 6 P 7/2 → 8 S 7/2 . Both phosphors exhibited a broad excitation spectrum with a peak at 253 nm. The excitation and emission properties are thus adequate enough to obtain UVB light sources using a conventional high pressure mercury vapour lamp or an ultraviolet LED.