A homogeneous precipitation technique was developed for synthesis of uniform submicron sulfide powders. ZnS powders were prepared from decomposition of thioacetamide in aqueous zinc solutions. Influence of various experimental parameters including concentration and chemical nature of various ions, temperature, and time on the powder morphology were studied. ZnS powders were characterized with respect to size, shape, and phase purity;Monosized ZnS powders were hot-pressed in a flowing N[subscript]2 atmosphere in the temperature range of 800°C to 900°C. Influence of temperature, pressure and time on the density and microstructure of the specimens was investigated. Pressure sintering maps were constructed and the dominant densification mechanism was identified at various stages of the process.