[en] We have synthesized a MgO transparent ceramic by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and studied the dosimeter properties against X-rays, in comparison with a bulk MgO single crystal. Further, we have measured the optical and scintillation properties. In the PL spectra, dominant emission bands of both samples appeared at 410 nm under 280 nm excitation, and emission intensities were largely deferent. The decay curves of both samples were well approximated by a three exponential function. The second and third constants of both samples were the order of ∼10 and ∼50 ns which were on the typical order for F"+ center. The scintillation spectra were similar to those observed in PL. The TSL glowed curves showed the main peak around 140degC. The TSL spectrum of the MgO ceramic around 140degC had a broad emission band in 300-400, which approximately coincide with scintillation spectra. The TSL response was confirmed to be linear to the irradiation dose for both samples over the dose range from 0.1 to 1000 mGy. (author)