The xGd2O3-(50-x)BaO-50P2O5 (0≤x≤7 mol%) series of glass samples were prepared with melt quenching method to develop new γ-ray shielding materials and irradiated with 60Co irradiation source. The light transmission characteristics and microstructure of the glass were studied by UV-Vis-nir and Raman. γ-ray irradiation makes the glass produce phosphorus oxygen hole center (class Ⅰ color), presenting brown. The resistance of phosphate glass to γ irradiation was enhanced by Gd2O3. The higher the content of Gd2O3 in glass, the lower the number of color centers caused by γ-ray irradiation. The transmittance on visible and near infrared light regions were reduced with the addition of Gd2O3. γ-ray irradiation causes the glass to exhibit optical absorption band loss, and the transmittance of the glass in the ultraviolet to visible region is reduced. The glass samples are mainly based on Q2 partial phosphate structure, accompanied by Q1 pyrophosphate and Q0 orthophosphate glass structure, and γ-ray irradiation has little effect on the microstructure of glass.