The change in the visible spectra of some irradiated ternary borate glasses containing chromium has been studied by increasing the γ‐ray doses with changing alkali content or increasing chromium concentration. In the glass without chromium, the γ‐rays induce two absorption bands which are attributed to the formation of positive hole centers, whereas in the glass containing chromium at least three absorption bands are observed. The results showed that the visible absorption bands before and after γ‐ray irradiation exhibited changes with the radiation dose and/or the chemical composition of the glass. The response of the glasses to γ irradiation is related to the creation of defect color centers, the approach of a saturation condition, and the possible photochemical effect on the transition metal.