Abstract: A refractory composite comprises a geopolymer and a plurality of anisotropic refractory particles dispersed in the geopolymer at a concentration of at least about 15 vol. %. The geopolymer has a composition comprising M2O, Al2O3, SiO2 and H2O, where M includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs. A method of making a refractory composite comprises forming a geopolymer precursor suspension, and mixing a plurality of refractory particles into the geopolymer precursor solution while exposing the geopolymer precursor solution to vibrational energy, thereby forming a precursor composite mixture. After the mixing, the vibrational energy is removed and the precursor composite mixture is cured, thereby forming a refractory composite, which may be referred to as a geopolymer composite.