Abstract: Forsterite was prepared by solid sintering reaction with low-grade magnesite and natural silica as raw materials，and with zirconia as additive.The effect of zirconia on composition，cell parameters，microstructure，and property of forsterite material at normal temperature was studied.XRD and SEM were used to characterize the phase composition and microstructure of sintered samples.The cell parameters of the forsterite phase were calculated by X′Pert plus software.Results showed，forsterite  could be prepared through solid sintering reaction between magnesia sintered from low-grade magnesite and silica from natural silica by adding appropriate ZrO₂.The substitution of Zr⁴⁺ caused the decreasement of cell parameters and volume of the forsterite.When the addition of ZrO₂ was 1.2%（mass fraction），the comprehensive performance of forsterite was the best and its density was 1.87 g/cm³，apparent porosity was 35.1%，water absorption 18.7%，and cold crush strength was 17.9 MPa at room temperature.

Key words: zirconia, forsterite, low-grade magnesite, natural silica