Abstract Nanoparticles of iron oxide (Fe2O3, 20–40 nm) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3, 50 nm) were mixed in different concentrations (3, 5 and 7 wt%) in a magnesium oxide (MgO) matrix. The mixture pellet was irradiated with 532 nm output from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser using different laser fluence and translation speed for sintering. The refractory samples obtained were analyzed using X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the samples irradiated at translation speed of 110 μm/s and energy fluence of 1.7 J/cm2 with a concentration of 5 and 7 wt% of Fe2O3 presented the MgFe2O4 spinel-type phase. With the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles, at a translation speed of 110 μm/s and energy fluence of 1.7 J/cm2, there were the formations of MgAl2O4 spinel phase. The changes in morphologies and microstructure due to laser irradiation were analyzed.