The invention relates to a use of a refractory material for contact with a liquid metal or alloy, a method for the manufacture of an article made of said material, the article so obtained and a method of use of said article. The refractory material is obtained from a mixture comprising from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. % of aggregates and/or fmes of zirconia; from 10 wt. % to 50 wt. % of aggregates and/or fmes of alumina; and from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. % of aggregates and/or fines of mullite; formed into a desired shape and then subjected to a heating treatment at a temperature of from 750° C. to 1500° C.