Abstract: Zirconium based granules are produced by the steps of forming an aqueous solution of a zirconium compound such as zirconium acetate, combining the aqueous solution with a phase stabilizer, and then heating the solution to evaporation at a temperature below about 180.degree. C. preferably below thereby forming amorphous zirconium based granules.In an alternate embodiment, an alcohol solution of a zirconium compound such as zirconium propoxide in propanol is acidified and hydrolyzed with water. The partially or fully hydrolyzed zirconium complex is mixed with a phase stabilizer to form a homogeneous solution. The solution is then subjected to evaporation at a temperature below about 180.degree. C. or below to form amorphous zirconium based granules.Zirconia fibers are produced by making aqueous solution of the amorphous zirconium based granules containing the phase stabilizer to the desired viscosity, fiberizing the solution, and finally converting the fibers under appropriate conditions.