There are a number of ceramic materials that have the ability to conduct electricity. For example, chorium dioxide can conduct heat and electricity as efficiently as majority of metals do. Many other ceramic materials, like silicon carbide, are not able conduct heat and electricity as properly as others; however it can still function as a semiconductor (a material that has a greater ability to conduct electricity than an insulator but lesser efficiency compared to that of a good conductor such as a metallic substance such as copper).

Other kinds of ceramics, like aluminum oxide, are not able to conduct any amount of electricity. The aforementioned kinds of ceramics are utilized to function as insulators (materials that are utilized to separate different components of an electrical circuit to guide the electrical current on the desired course).

There are some ceramics, like porcelain, that not only acts as insulators at low temperatures but can also function as good conductors at high temperatures.Ceramics that contain iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) can exhibit magnetic properties that are similar to those of nickel, iron and cobalt magnets. These iron oxide ceramic materials are commonly referred to as ferrites.

Other ceramic materials that exhibit magnetic properties include oxide compounds of manganese, barium and nickel. Ceramic magnets can be madewith high resistance to magnetization and utilized in electronic circuits and electric motors. When electrons become highly arranged in a line, as they do in ceramic magnets, a powerful magnetic field can be generated which is very difficult to demagnetize (disruption of magnetic made possible by breaking the alignment of electrons).

Ceramics is a word taken from the Greek term “keramos”, which literally means “potter’s clay”, that originally referred to the method of manufacturing pottery; nowadays the word is used to refer to the science of making materials primed from pliable earthen materials that are hardened and stiffened by exposure to high amounts of heat. Ceramic materials are inorganic and nonmetallic materials and compounds that are made out of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, silicon and boron. Ceramics includes the production of porcelain, earthenware, bricks and a number of kinds of stoneware and tiles.

Ceramic materials or products are utilized not only for artistic objects and decorations, but also for technical and industrial articles such as electrical insulators and sewer pipes. Ceramic insulators have an extensive spectrum of electrical attributes. The electrical attributes of a freshly discovered group of ceramic materials that are based on a copper-oxide mixtures gives these ceramics the ability to become superconductive (ability to conduct electricity with absolute zero resistance) at temperatures that are far greater than those at which metals usually do.

In space exploration technology, ceramic materials are utilized to make parts for space vehicles.  Ceramic materials are also highly resistant to heat which makes them perfect for use in making fire proof tools and apparatuses such as those used in laboratories around the world regardless whether it is for scholarly or experimental purposes. There are also industries that make use of some ceramic’s considerable durability to polish surfaces of metal items such as keys, trophies and watches among others.