Controlled synthesis of unconventional spherical/terraced MgO nanoparticles that show a unique optical property was done via the flame metal combustion method. We investigated the optimal condition for selectively producing these spherical/terraced MgO nanoparticles over conventional cubic MgO nanoparticles. Furthermore, it was possible to control the proportion of the morphology of generated MgO nanoparticles using different carrier gases. The size distribution of the MgO nanoparticles was measured to understand the surface-induced growth mechanism of the spherical/terraced MgO nanopatticles, which was different from that of cubic MgO nanoparticles grown from the normal molecule condensation. In addition, the catalytic property of the Li-doped spherical/terraced MgO particles was investigated. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.