Porous materials are disclosed having densities of at least about 6 pounds per cubic foot (96.1 kg/m³). The materials comprise silica and/or alumina. The porous materials are useful as supports for binding various chemical and biological molecules. The materials are useful as supports for analytical processes such as ELISA, blotting, and hybridization assays. The materials can be used as reinforcement agents for organic, inorganic, or metallic materials.