Diffuse reflectivity and excitation spectra of powder and optical absorption of synthetic single crystal halophosphate phosphors have been determined in the spectral region 1100–3000Aå. Intrinsic optical absorption by the host lattice begins at approximately 1500Aå in fluoroapatite and 1570Aå in chloroapatite. Absorption in bands of manganese in fluoroapatite at 1600, 1750, and 2150Aå results in luminescence in the absence of antimony. Absorption due to antimony lies between 1600 and 2900Aå. The preparation and some optical properties of synthetic single crystals are described.