Single phase of CoAl2O4 nanocrystalline spinel has been synthesized first time successively by combustion method using extracted egg white (ovalbumine) as new fuel. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD, TGA, DSC, TEM, BET, IR, UV-Vis and CIE L*a*b* colorimetric method. The average particle sizes were in the range 10.45-26.58 nm and fine agglomerates in a way that specific surface area up to 188.55 m(2) g(-1) could be obtained. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.