Hydroxyapatite samples were produced by two different wet-chemical methods, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared (IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and compression strength measurements. The IR spectra showed the presence of CO32- ions in all samples. After the sintering, the CO(3)(2-)bands almost disappeared, indicating a large release of CO32- ions by the samples, which were also confirmed by TGA. By mixing samples produced by both methods, a bioceramic was prepared and, after sintering at 900 degrees C for 1 h, compressive strengths of 26-30 MPa were obtained.