Transparent glass ceramics is a kind of new functional materials, which have adjustable thermal expansion coefficient, high strength, good chemical stability, as well as transparent/luminous characteristics. They have widely applied in optical information, biotechnology, laser technology, infrared remote sensing technology and civil lighting. The light transmission mechanism of glass ceramics is briefly summarized. The research progress of crystallization and transparent/luminous properties of nucleating agent doping, transition metal ion doping and rare earth ion doping MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (MAS) transparent glass ceramics is introduced in this paper. Additionally, the problems in the development of MAS transparent glass ceramics with high crystallinity and transparent/luminescent properties are briefly analyzed. Finally, the development trend of transparent glass ceramics is also prospected.