The invention is directed to a composition having a carrier matrix, and a particulate luminescent composition dispersed therein, the particulate luminescent composition comprising a rare-earth-doped solid-state solution of alkaline earth fluorides represented by the chemical formula REx(CaaSrbBac)1−xF2+x−2yOy wherein RE represents a three-valent rare-earth element, 0.005≦x≦0.20, and 0≦y≦0.2, a+b+c=1, with the proviso at least two of a, b, and c are not equal to zero; the particulate luminescent composition exhibiting a luminescence spectrum having a plurality of intensity peaks at characteristic wavelengths. It is further directed to a process by contacting a surface with the composition and articles made therefrom.