An improved process for producing a translucent polycrystalline alumina body comprising sintering a prefired compacted green body of alumina of predetermined shape is disclosed. The green body of alumina includes alumina doped with one or more sintering aids. The method of the present invention comprises sintering the prefired compacted green body of predetermined shape at a maximum sintering temperature in an atmosphere containing nitrogen and an amount of hydrogen greater than or equal to about 2.5 volume percent and less than 75 volume percent for a period of time sufficient to produce a translucent polycrystalline alumina body.