Magnesia whiskers were grown by heating a mixed powder compact composed of AlMg alloy, carbon, Al2O3 and MgO in a furnace in which the partial pressure of oxygen was controlled by CO(g) and CO2(g), and a mechanism of whisker growth was discussed from the point of view of chemical thermodynamics. The internal pressure, p(Mg), of the compact was maintained high by Mg(l) and Al4C3(S). On the other hand, the outside of the compact was maintained at a lower p(Mg) by CO(g) and CO2(g). As a result, excess Mg(g) diffusing from the inside condensed near the surface of the compact as whiskers. The whiskers obtained were several to 40 mum in diameter and several to 20 mm in length.