Silicon Carbide is a non oxide ceramic and is used in a wide range of products that must perform in thermally (high heat and heat shock) and mechanically demanding applications. It is employed in both abrasives and wear resistant parts for its hardness; in refractories and ceramics for its resistance to heat and low thermal expansion; and in electronics for its thermal conductivity and other properties. 

SiC powder has some curious uses in ceramic glazes. It is employed to make crater and foam glazes. The silicon part takes up available oxygen to make SiO2 and the carbon combines with oxygen to make the CO2 that creates the blisters and bubbles. Using this mechanism it is possible to create reduction effects in oxidation firings, but with obvious challenges (blistering and bubbling). The carbon that silicon carbide particles release acts to reduce metallic oxides like iron and copper. Additions of tin oxide will aid color development, especially for copper reds.