A ceramic component is provided that includes a silicon-based layer comprising a silicon-containing material (e.g., a silicon metal and/or a silicide) and a boron-doped refractory compound, such as about 0.001%to about 85%by volume of the boron-doped refractory compound (e.g., about 1%to about 60%by volume of the boron-doped refractory compound). A coated component is also provided that includes a CMC component defining a surface; a bond coating directly on the surface of the CMC component, with the bond coating comprises a silicon-containing material and a boron-doped refractory compound (e.g., about 0.1%to about 25%of the boron-doped refractory compound); a thermally grown oxide layer on the bond coating; and an environmental barrier coating on the thermally grown oxide layer.