The cordierite is of great interest for microelectronic packaging. Its main advantages are low dielectric constant and low thermal expansion. The cordierite precursor obtained by sol-gel synthesis whose sintering temperature is about $900^{circ}C$ is an amorphous and cristal white powder. Green and fired cordierite samples were studied by XPS for microscopic properties. At the surface the results of XPS show forte diminution of Mg in comparison with its value at volume and the deficit of Mg compensates by augmentation of Al and Si. $pi$-cordierite phase is present near the surface $<100{AA}$ and small quantities of magnesium aluminate ($MgAl_2O_4) is present in the bulk. Sintering of the green cordierite introduces no chemical modification at the surface.