A workpiece carrier for the inductive heating of workpieces contains ceramic materials at least at bearing surfaces which come into contact with the workpieces. The ceramic materials are distinguished by a high dimensional stability, low thermal and electrical conductivity and a high resistance to thermal shocks. A process for producing a ceramic material for a workpiece carrier obtains a suitable ceramic material by infiltrating a porous carbon skeleton with silicon. Processes for inductive heating and inductive hardening of workpieces with the workpiece carrier are also provided.