Cordierite powders were prepared using silicon ethoxide, Mg(NO3).2.6H2O and Al (OBu)2etac (etac = ethylacetoacetate) and conditions of hydrolysis have been checked in order pure a cordierite to be obtained. D.T.A. measurements reveal a stepwise crystallization process with intermediate formation of metastable μ cordierite. Infrared studies allow to follow the evolution of the Si-O-Al network with temperature.