Hierarchically porous ceramic monoliths have been fabricated by pulsed current processing (PCP) of diatomite powders. The partial sintering behavior of the porous diatomite powders during PCP or spark plasma sintering was evaluated at temperatures between 600 degrees and 850 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry measurements showed that the PCP method was able to bond the diatomite powder together into relatively strong monoliths without significantly destroying the internal pores of the diatomite powder at a temperature range of 700 degrees-750 degrees C. Little fusion at the particle contact points occurred at temperatures below 650 degrees C while the powder showed partial melting and collapse of both the interparticle pores and the internal structure at temperatures above 800 degrees C.