Spherical hematite particles have been quickly synthesized by heating Fe(OH)(3) gel with trace Fe(II) in aqueous solution to reflux temperature. The final product is characterized by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, and FT-IR techniques. The influence of various factors on the size and morphology of hematite particles is investigated, respectively. The growth mechanism of hematite particles is also discussed. The results show that both the mechanisms. dissolution/reprecipitation and solid state transformation, work alternately in the transformation process from Fe(OH)(3) to hematite particles until the transformation is finished. The magnetism of the product is also studied. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.