The influence of the clay particle morphology on the structural consolidation process associated with high temperature sintering was studied. By computer modeling, the different degrees of packing related to the distinct shapes naturally assumed by the particle clays as well as the consolidation conditions, based on solid sate reactions and surface diffusion were simulated. The model was compared with experimental data of clays fired at several temperatures. This permitted to explain differences in the behavior of red ceramics that was sintered with clays presenting distinct particle shapes.