Single crystals of the ErFe 3 (BO 3 ) 4 borate were synthesized and their structure was studied. Absorption spectra of the Er 3+ ion in σ and π polarizations of f-f transitions 4 I 15/2 4 I 13/2 , 4 I 11/2 , 4 I 9/2 , 4 F 9/2 , 4 S 3/2 , 2 H 11/2 , and 4 F 7/2 were measured. The refractive index and birefringence were measured as a func tion of the wavelength. The transition intensities were analyzed within the Judd-Ofelt theory, and the follow ing parameters of the theory were obtained: Ω 2 = 7.056 × 10 -20 cm 2 , Ω 4 = 1.886 × 10 -20 cm 2 , and Ω 6 = 2.238 × 10 -20 cm 2 . Using these parameters, the radiative transition probabilities, luminescence branching ratios, and radiative lifetimes of multiplets were calculated.