Mono-dispersed spherical Lu 2 O 3 :Eu (5mol%) powders for transparent ceramics fabrication were synthesized by urea-based homogeneous precipitation technique. The effects of the doped-Eu 3+ on the synthesis of Lu 2 O 3 :Eu particles were investigated in detail. The results show that the doping of Eu 3+ ions into Lu system can significantly decrease the particle size of the resultant precursor spheres. Owing to the sequential precipitation in Lu/Eu system, there are compositional gradients within each of the resultant precursor spheres. Well dispersed, homogeneous and spherical/near spherical Lu 2 O 3 :Eu powders were obtained after calcination at 600–1000°C for 4h. The powder calcined at 600°C shows better sintering behavior and can be densified into transparent ceramic after vacuum sintering at 1700°C for 5h. The luminescence properties of the obtained Lu 2 O 3 :Eu powder and transparent ceramic were also studied.