The decay time of magnesium tantalate (Mg4Ta2O9) crystal is shorter than that of CdWO4 crystal, and its light yield and energy resolution are slightly higher than that of CdWO4 crystal respectively. Its afterglow is 0.01%/3 ms as low as that of CdWO4. In addition, the Mg4Ta2O9 crystal has no toxic elements, and will be one of the best candidate materials in the field of container security inspection for replacing CdWO4 crystal which containing toxic element Cd. The research progresses in the structural properties, crystal growth, scintillation properties and doping modification of Mg4Ta2O9 crystals are reviewed. The research show that Mg4Ta2O9 doping with Zn2+ or Nb5+ ions can significantly increase its light yield.