The relation between the mechanical properties and chemical compositions of self-developed Mg-Al-Zn-Mn series Mg alloy suitable for gravity casting was investigated to have determined the optimized composition Mg-9Al-0.8Zn-0.3Mn alloy.The mechanical properties of the T6 heat treated Mg alloy at ambient temperature are as follows: tensile strength σ
b
=270 MPa
yield strength σ
0.2
=162 MPa and elongation δ=3.88%.The changes of mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of the Mg alloy after T6 heat treatment were compared with those of untreated ones.