The microstructure and tensile properties of Mg-Zn-Ca and Mg-Zn-Mn-Ca alloys have been investigated. The alloys were obtained by melting in a low carbon crucible coated with boron nitride under an Ar gas atmosphere to prevent oxidation and combustion. The Mg alloy melt was cast into the metallic mold at room temperature, and cooling part was located at the bottom of mold. The phase formed during solidification of the Mg-Zn-(Mn) alloys containing 0.5%Ca is Ca₂Mg_6Zn₃,. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the alloys increased with increasing Zn content, but the ductility did not change with increasing Zn content. The addition of Mn improves the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the alloys, but the ductility did not change. Tensile fracture of the alloys revealed brittle failure, with cracking along the Ca₂Mg_6Zn₃, phase. The variation of stress with strain obeyed the relationship of the σ=Kε". (Received October 21, 1997)