Ceramics are materials with the potential for a wide range of high-speed finishing operations and for high removal rate machining of difficult-to-machine materials. This article describes the production process, composition, properties, and applications of ceramic tool materials. It presents a comprehensive discussion on the properties and composition of alumina-base tool materials, including alumina and titanium carbide, alumina-zirconia, and silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina, and silicon nitride base tool materials.