Direct bonded refractory bricks are provided containing 40 to 70 percent by weight magnesia, 60 to 30 percent by weight chrome ore, and having an overall lime to silica ratio less than 0.30 and a silica content of less than 2.5 percent by weight based on the weight of the brick. The silicate phase of the bricks is essentially non-wetting and non-reactive with secondary spinels at 2,700*F. The lime to silica ratio and silica content are controlled by adding a hydrated silicate compound, such as a magnesium silicate, to the magnesia-chrome ore mixture before it is fired.