Abstract: A heterogeneous composite body that is spall resistant and comprises a substantially discontinuous cermet phase in a substantially continuous metal rich matrix phase. The heterogeneous composite body is typically bonded to a substrate to form a hardfacing on the substrate. The heterogeneous composite body exhibits ductile phase toughening with a strain to failure of at least about 2 percent, a modulus of elasticity of less than about 35 million pounds per square inch, and a density of less than about 7 grams per cubic centimeter. The metal rich matrix phase between the ceramic rich regions in the heterogeneous composite body has an average minimum span of about 0.5 to 8 microns to allow ductility in the heterogeneous composite body. The heterogeneous composite body has a Vicker's hardness number of greater than approximately 500. The ceramic rich regions exhibit high hardness as compared with the matrix phase.