Abstract: An improved nozzle for use with abrasive and/or corrosive materials is formed of sintered ceramic compositions having high temperature oxidation resistance, high hardness and high abrasion and corrosion resistance. The ceramic may be a binary solid solution of a ceramic oxide and silicon nitride, and preferably a ternary solid solution of a ceramic oxide, silicon nitride and aluminum nitride. The ceramic oxide is selected from a group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, or mixtures thereof. Titanium carbide particles are dispersed in the ceramic mixture before sintering. The nozzles are encased for protection from external forces while in use by a metal or plastic casing.