Abstract: A method for producing a porous magnesia clinker by admixing a magnesia material having a grain size of less than 0.1 mm with from 10 to 60 percent by weight of the mixture of fluid oil coke having a grain size of 1 mm or less, calcining the resulting mixture at a temperature of from 900.degree. to 1600.degree. C. for a time sufficient to burn off the coke and thereby to form pores in the magnesia material, and firing the resulting product at a temperature of from 1600.degree. C. to 2030.degree. C. to produce porous magnesia clinker.