Clinoenstatite (MgSiO(3)) powders were synthesized by precipitation process using magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO(3))(2)center dot 6H(2)O) and sodium silicate (Na(2)SiO(3)center dot 9H(2)O), and clinoenstatite ceramics were prepared by sintering its powder compacts at 1400 degrees C for 3 and 5 h. The shrinkage (4.53%), bending strength (31.78 MPa), relative density (82.84%), and Young's modulus (8.51 GPa) were investigated. The percentages of weight loss of the clinoenstatite ceramics were listed as 1.29 +/- 0.55%, 1.36 +/- 0.30%, 7.31 +/- 1.54%, and 10.77 +/- 0.93% after 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day soaking in the Tris-HCl solution. The biocompatibility studies showed that clinoenstatite ceramics could not induce the formation of HAp in simulated body fluid, but the ionic products of the clinoenstatite powder extracts promoted the proliferation of the mouse fibroblasts (L929 cell). The murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells adhered well and proliferated more on the clinoenstatite ceramics than on the traditional hydroxyapatite ceramics. These results showed that clinoenstatite bioceramics possessed good cell biocompatibility and might be used for preparation of bone implants or biocoatings.