Finely dispersed ZrO2 powders with high purity have been prepared by the reactions of Zr(SO4)(2) in molten nitrites and nitrates. The effects of the starting materials of alpha-Zr(SO4)(2) and beta-Zr(SO4)(2), the different nitrate and nitrite melts, and reaction conditions such as temperature and time, on the structure and crystallite size of the ZrO2 powders produced were investigated. The processing of the prepared powders was also studied under different conditions; the results showed that very fine ZrO2 powders with soft agglomeration could be produced if the proper treatment of the powders was applied.