It is possible to obtain cordierite ceramics with high temperature synthesis, using both synthetic and natural materials. This paper discusses the possibilities to obtain cordierite ceramics, replacing part of required oxides with raw materials from various Latvian deposits of dolomite and clay. The obtained raw cordierite powders were ground in two modes (3 and 12 hours) and fired at 1200 °C. Effective particle diameter for resulting powders was determined. Results show that increase in grounding time from 3 to 12 hours reduces mean particle diameter for samples with KU composition to about twice the size. Ceramic samples were also characterized by the hydrostatic weighting method; their crystalline phase composition was studied by XRD. Results show that that all of the prepared samples contain cordierite as main crystalline phase. Small amount of spinel, corundum and anorthite as secondary phases were also observed. Obtained samples were evaluated by their mechanical (compressive) strength and linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CET). Results show that increase in grinding time causes samples to density and promote formation of cordierite crystalline phase which corresponds to increase in total compressive strength and decrease of CET values. CET values of samples ground for 12 hours conform to that of mentioned in literature. SEM image analysis was made for samples with K3 and K12 composition and the results have been discussed in this paper. SEM image analysis points to the positive impact of grinding time increase which causes formation of less porous structure and promotes grain compaction.