Abstract: The refractory material applied to an electric arc furnace runner is 85 to 95 wt. percent alumina, and 5 to 15 wt. percent aqueous sodium silicate. The heat from molten metal being processed is transmitted to the refractory material of the present invention by contact of the molten metal with the refractory material or by transmission of heat to the refractory material so as to sinter at least a portion of the refractory material and form a solid barrier to the flow of molten metal through the refractory. After the molten metal has been processed and no longer contacts the refractory material, the refractory material can have a portion which is free of water and remains in the form of a powder.