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Analysis and design of refractory linings for high temperature process vessels is complex. Previous research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in that area concentrated on developing constitutive models of the material behavior, implementing them into finite element codes and performing parameter studies to obtain design recommendations. There was a need to generate a fundamental understanding and characterization of the behavior of different refractory material systems manufactured by various processes in slagging coal gasifier environments. The objective of this work is to characterize the short-term compressive behavior of refractory ceramic oxides at elevated temperatures, with a focus on candidate materials for slagging coal gasifier linings. The materials studied were alumina-chromia and chromia-magnesia refractories manufactured by cold-pressing and sintering, hot-pressing or fusion-casting. A high temperature testing facility was designed and built. Recommended specimen preparation procedures are established and utilized. The variation of the materia