Abstract: A mixture containing 65 to 72% by weight of aluminum oxide and 28 to 35% by weight of magnesium oxide is used to mold items which are then dried in vacuum at a temperature of a heater, which is a component element of a mold, attaining about 1000.degree. C., the items being subsequently subjected to a burn in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of approximately 1850.degree. C. and at a rate of more than 100.degree. C./minute.The present invention permits the time required to manufacture the items to be brought down to 2-4 hours, the items produced being characterized by a high refractoriness, capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 1850.degree. C., high chemical inertness and resistance to dynamic action of refractory alloys and steels during melting and casting thereof. Thermal shock resistance of the manufactured items is 60 to 70 air thermal (heating-cooling) cycles.