The synthesis of silica by sol-gel mineralization of cellulose nanorod nematic suspensions under a magnetic field gradient was investigated. The formation of a crystalline material has been found to have direct relation to the presence of a magnetic field gradient, coupled with the additional influence of an efficiently mixed system. This 'perfect' mixing occurs by the self stimulated vortex flow generated in far-from-equilibrium conditions. The vortex mixing undergoes vectorial motion that is amplified and governed by a magnetic field gradient.