The $CdAl_2S_4 and CdAl_2S_4 : Co^{2+}$ single crystals were grown by the chemical transport reaction method using iodine as a transport agent. The $CdAl_2S_4 and CdAl_2S_4 : Co^{2+}$single crystals were crystallized into a defect chalcopyrite structure. The optical energy gap of the $CdAl_2S_4 and CdAl_2S_4 : Co^{2+}$ single crystals was found to be 3.377 eV and 2.924 eV, respectively, at 300 K. Blue emission with peaks in 456nm~466nm at 280K was observed in the $CdAl_2S_4$ single crystal. Optical absorption and emission peaks due to impurities in the $CdAl_2S_4 Co^{2+}$ single crystal were observed and described as originating from the electron transition between energy levels of the <TEX>$Co^{2+} ion sited at the Td symmetry point.