<p>The current research reports the optimization of the optical and structural parameters of magnesium ferrite using different gamma doses to enhance its photocatalytic activity, which was evaluated using organic-based dyes. The prominent change in the crystal lattice of MgFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite, caused by the relocation of ions through gamma irradiation, has been observed in the results of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. The modification in the structural parameters directly influenced the optical properties of the as-prepared MgFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite photocatalyst. A reduction in the band gap energy was observed following a room temperature optical analysis of the prepared samples. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis revealed a decreased electron-hole pair recombination rate in gamma-irradiated samples compared to untreated MgFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite. The decreased recombination rate of the charge carriers directly contributed to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. The variations in cationic distribution, electron transport, migration in valence states, and defects cause these changes. The gamma-irradiated MgFe₂O₄ showed better degradation efficiencies of 85.34% and 82.75% for crystal violet and bromophenol blue dyes, respectively, under visible light. The PXRD, PL, and photocatalysis data are strong evidence for prominent changes in structural and other optical and physical parameters of spinel MgFe₂O₄, making it a suitable and capable photocatalyst for environmental remediation and wastewater treatment.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>