Magnetic alumina composite microspheres with γ-Fe2O3 core/Al2O3 shell structure were prepared by the oil column method.A dense silica layer was deposited on the surface of γ-Fe2O3 particles(denoted as γ-Fe2O3/SiO2)with a desired thickness to protect the iron oxide core against acidic or high temperature conditions.γ-Fe2O3/SiO2/Al2O3 particles with about 85 wt% Al2O3 were obtained and showed to be suitable for practical applications as a magnetic catalyst or catalyst support due to their magnetic properties and pore structure.The products were characterized with scanning electron microscope(SEM)and transmission electron microscope(TEM),nitrogen adsorption-desorption,and vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The specific surface area and pore volume of the γ-Fe2O3/SiO2/Al2O3 composite microspheres calcined at 500 ℃ were 200 m2/g and 0.77 cm3/g,respectively.