In this paper, the luminescence properties of Eu3+ and Dy3+ in the oxyapatites M(2)RE(8)(SiO4)(6)O-2 (M=Mg, Ca; RE=Y, Gd, La) were studied. The spectral characters of Eu3+ were discussed in relation to the crystal structure. The dependence of the red-to-orange intensity ratio and the position of the charge transfer band of Eu3+ and the yellow-to-blue intensity ratio of Dy3+ together with their fluorescence intensities (I-R for Eu3+ and I-Y for Dy3+) On the M(2+) and the substitution of BO45- and PO43- for SiO44- was discussed. Finally, the concentration quenching of Dy3+ luminescence was reported.