ABSTRACT Based on the attribute of asbestos tailings rich in silicon and magnesium, the powder of asbestos tailings was pre-calcined followed by MgO addition in the green body and finally sintered to develop refractory ceramics containing phases of forsterite, magnesioferrite and merwinite. The effects of pre-calcining treatment, MgO content and sintering temperature on crystallization, phase transition, microstructure and physical property of refractory ceramics were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and physical properties tests. The results indicated that the hydroxyl water and volatile components in asbestos tailings were basically eliminated after pre-calcining. The addition of MgO in raw materials promoted the conversion of low melting phases into refractory phases through solid state reaction. Both the flexural strength and bulk density of the samples increased initially, then decreased with the increase in sintering temperature, while the MgO addition would increase the optimal temperature. The optimal temperature promoted grains of different phases to grow large and interweave to form a dense accumulation body, which improved the compactness and flexural strength of the sample. This study provided certain practical guidance for the preparation of refractory ceramics from asbestos tailings.