Abstract: A process for producing aluminum nitride comprises a step of nitriding directly a mixed powder comprising of, a bulky aluminum powder composed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy powder which occupies 50 to 97% by weight and whose sieve opening of JIS is not less than 210 .mu.m (70 mesh); and a nitriding accelerator powder composed of at least one kind of an aluminum powder and an aluminum alloy powder which occupy the balance of 50 to 3% by weight and whose sieve opening is less than 210 .mu.m (70 mesh); under a nitrogen gas atmosphere of the temperature ranging from 500 to 1000.degree. C. In the present invention, there can be obtained an aluminum nitride which is easy to be crushed by hand by using a mortar.