Ceramic mass and thermal transfer media suitable for use in thermal regenerative oxidizers made using a mixture of a ball clay, talc and optionally a dolomitic limestone have enhanced resistance to environments containing halogens and hydrogen halides. The media preferably comprises less than 0.25% by weight of alkali metal, expressed as the oxide, and has a cordierite: silica phase ratio of less than 1.2:1, as determined by X-ray diffraction.