Abstract: An amorphous silicon nitride composition consisting essentially of from 95.0% to 99.9% by weight of amorphous silicon nitride and from 0.1% to 5.0% of carbon prepared by the vapor phase reaction of silicon tetrachloride, ammonia, and a gaseous hydrocarbon at temperatures from 1000.degree.C. to 1500.degree.C. This composition is particularly useful in the preparation of fully dense ceramics requiring high strength at elevated temperatures.