The precursors for magnesium aluminate spinel were synthesized by the method of joint crystallization from mixed solutions of magnesium and aluminum salts. The sequence of the MgAl2 O4 phase formation vs starting reagents was studied. Spinel materials with controlled porosity were obtained using the variation of the Al source at nano-sized precursors synthesis, the changes of the sintering regimes and the introducing combustible additive of carbon and sintering aids into the blend. The optimal regimes for the sintering of the ceramic spinel materials with more than 50% porosity were determined.