Self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) technique was used to synthesize the spinel phase of $MgAl_2O_4$ from MgO and Al powder. Thermit reaction products of MgO and Al, The reaction products were heat treated at the temperature $800^{circ}C$ preheating. Processing factors such as DTA/TG, combustium product and maxium temperature, synthesis of MgO and Al from "$MgO+2Al+3/2O_2$ ightarrow$MgAl_2O_4$</TEX>". An activation energy (${Delta}H^{circ}$)-264.8 kcal/mol and reaction of maxium temperature 5634 K was calculated to form a $MgAl_2O_4$ spinel from unreacted materials. Pellet were increased volume 6% after thermit reaction. reaction.