Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaped body that contains at least 85 vol. % crystalline silicon carbide and at most 15 vol. % silicon, comprising the following steps: a) providing a powdered mixture that contains at least 60 vol. % amorphous silicon carbide and at most 40 vol. % silicon having a crystallite size of 3-50 nm; b) shaping the mixture by b1) hot pressing, or b2) compacting at room temperature and subsequent sintering or hot pressing, wherein the sintering or hot pressing is carried out in an inert gas or vacuum at a temperature of at least 1400° C. The volume ratio SiC:Si in the powdered mixture is 95:5-99:1.