A titanium-containing article casting mold composition includes calcium aluminate and an X-ray or Neutron-ray detectable element. A method for detecting sub-surface ceramic inclusions in a titanium or titanium alloy casting includes combining calcium aluminate, an element more radiographically dense than the calcium aluminate, and a liquid to form a slurry; forming a mold having the calcium aluminate and the radiographically dense element from the slurry; introducing a titanium aluminide-containing metal to the radiographically dense element-bearing mold; solidifying the titanium aluminide-containing metal to form an article in the mold; removing the solidified titanium aluminide-containing metal article from said mold; subjecting the solidified titanium aluminide-containing article to radiographic inspection to provide a radiograph; and examining the radiograph for the presence of the radiographically dense element on or in the article.