Abstract: In a method of forming a refractory product wherein a mixture consisting of effective amounts of silica, alumina, aluminium nitride, and with or without silicon nitride, is provided, the mixture is surrounded with a protective medium and sintered at a temperature between 1200.degree.-2000.degree. C to form a single phase silicon aluminium oxynitride corresponding to the formula: Si.sub.6.sub.-z Al.sub.z N.sub.8.sub.-z O.sub.z, where z is greater than zero and less than or equal to 5, and when there is no silicon nitride in the mixture z is greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 5, the improvement being the step of introducing into said mixture magnesium oxide in an amount of not more than 5% by weight to form a magnesium silicate glass and aid in densification of the ceramic material.