Abstract: Disclosed is process for the preparation of alumina-containing particles, comprising the steps of (a) mixing an aluminum oxide hydrosol containing a hydrate of alumina or activated alumina and an additive component selected from a high molecular weight natural organic material which is insoluble in aqueous solution up to a temperature of 50.degree. C. and carbon with a solution of hydrolyzable base to form a mixture; (b) introducing the mixture in dispersed form into a water-immiscible liquid having a temperature of from about 60 to 100.degree. C., whereby gel particles are formed; (c) aging the gel particles in the liquid at the temperature and subsequently in an aqueous ammonia solution; (d) recovering the aged particles; and (e) calcining the recovered particles.