Ternary system MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 contains many technically valuable crystalline phases such as enstatite, forsterite, spinel and cordierite. For most of these phases coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is extremely low (as low as 1.5•10-6K-1) which allows for them to be used in conjunction with other thermally demanding materials like quartz, for example. Also, other important properties like their high mechanical strength and good dielectric permeability is of value for potential use in practical applications. Formation of cordierite from oxide powders takes place above 1350 °C. Rational preparation of such material requires modifications in synthesis rout, i.e., addition of flux forming agents or presence of volatile compounds. In this work the use of Latvian illite clay as partial raw material for preparation of both dense and porous cordierite ceramics was studied. No additional artificial flux and/or volatiles were used. Obtained dense and porous ceramic samples were tested for their phase composition, mechanical strength and porosity. It was determined that the use of illite clay of no less than 1/3 of total mass was enough to form both extremely dense and tough (compressive strength of about 400 MPa) and extremely porous (about 59% apparent porosity) materials by just adjusting thermal treatment regime. The X-Ray diffraction of the samples showed that formation of single-phase crystalline cordierite can also be achieved in relatively lower temperatures, e.g., as low as 1300 °C