The present invention provides a process for preparing a rare earth borate by reacting together at least one rare earth salt, boric acid and a base. The process is characterized in that the reaction is carried out using an excess of acid with respect to the stoichiometry and under conditions such that the pH of the reaction medium at the end of the reaction is in the range of 6 to 8. The precipitate formed is then recovered and calcined. The phase purity of the borate obtained is good and it can be used as a luminophore.