Abstract: Process for the manufacture of hexagonal boron nitride which comprises causing a starting material containing an alkali metal boride or an alkaline earth metal boride, preferably a hexa- or dodecaboride, to react with nitrogen at temperatures of at least 900.degree. C and, if desired, up to 2500.degree. C, in the presence of impurities or additives of other boron compounds or compounds of the alkaline earth metals or of carbon compounds. Boron nitride has many uses in various fields, among them, electronics and crucible melting for most non-metallic melts.