Fine Ceramics possess high rigidity, which is measured by inspecting the elasticity of a specimen after applying a load. Materials that display less elastic deformation under load possess higher levels of rigidity. The coefficient of extension with respect to a load is called Young's modulus.

Using Young's modulus to measure rigidity, alumina and silicon carbide display nearly double the values of stainless steel. Why is high rigidity advantageous? It allows ceramic components to be manufactured to much higher levels of precision with regard to size and shape. In some cases, large mechanical stresses are generated on a material while it is being ground to final specifications. The less deformation that occurs during this process, the more precisely the parts can be processed.