Embodiments of the present invention are directed in general to novel aluminate-blue phosphors. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to use of the novel aluminate-based blue phosphors in white light illumination systems, and in display applications such as back lighting in liquid crystal displays (LCD's) and plasma display panels (PDPs). Embodiments of the present invention are further directed toward aluminate-based phosphors having the general formula (M.sub.1-xEu.sub.x).sub.2-zMg.sub.zAl.sub.yO.sub.[2+(3/2)y], where M is a divalent alkaline earth metal other than magnesium (Mg) from group IIA of the periodic table, where 0.05