An alkoxide sol-gel route was developed to prepare forsterite fibers. Transparent precursor get fibers were converted to the crystalline phase of forsterite by heating above 550degreesC. Fibers heated at 1100degreesC for 2 h showed a porous microstructure with nanocrystalline sizes of about 50-100 nm. The structural evolution of fibrous gel was characterized. Effects of water and ethanol content on microstructures and strengths of fired fibers are also discussed. Some properties of the fired fibers were investigated.