The ceramic coating formed on AZ91 magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) was characterized. The results show that the ceramic coating(3.4-23 μm in thickness)on the surface of AZ91 alloy was attained under different micro-arc oxidation treatment conditions, which consist mainly of MgO, Mg2SiO4 and MgSiO3 phases. Nano-hardness in a cross-sectional specimen was determined by nano-indentation experiment. The MAO coatings exhibit higher hardness than the substrate. Dry sliding wear tests for the MAO coatings and AZ91 alloy were also carried out using an oscillating friction and wear tester in a ball-on-disc contact configuration. The wear resistance of the MAO coatings is improved respectively under different treatment time as a result of different structures of ceramic coatings formed on AZ91 alloy.