Abstract: A free formed ceramic filament has a small, uniform diameter throughout and is substantially 100% dense, made from a material which exhibits a viscosity of less than 10 poise and has a physical structure that is partially amorphous with the balance, made up of complex crystals which are less than about 5 microns or substantially made up of complex crystals which are less than substantially 5 microns and has an outer surface which is substantially smooth throughout, except for a substantially linear matt surfaced line, which extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the filament.